According to the Surgeon General’s 2023 report titled – Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and pre-mature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.”
Aging Ahead’s Friendly Caller program is a lifeline for older adults suffering from loneliness. Participants are matched with trained volunteers for a weekly social phone call. The calls provide regular friendly conversation, ongoing socialization and connection with others, and an opportunity to meet new people.
Friendly Caller participant, Kathy says “The FC program really helps me. My volunteer lights up my world and helps improve my outlook on life. I was feeling lonely and sad and she helps by listening and understanding. It’s nice knowing someone cares. I look forward to her calls each week and many weeks it was the only call I knew I was going to receive. Thank you Aging Ahead for offering such a wonderful program.”
Volunteer Coordinator, Lydia Franklin, reports similar outcomes for volunteers. “Very often, volunteers get as much or more out of the program than the participants do. Knowing that they are making a big difference to help someone feel like they are no longer alone in the world, it’s a feeling that lifts them up as well.”
If you would like to sign up to receive calls or to volunteer, call Madge Witt at 314-791-1128 or email mwitt@agingahead.org.