Aging Ahead strives to create meaningful programs that meet critical needs for older adults in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson County. The Friendly Caller Program was introduced last spring to address social isolation for vulnerable older adults in our area. Trained volunteers are connected to an older adult for regular friendly phone conversations, providing ongoing socialization, building a connection to others and providing an opportunity to meet new people. Meet Kevin, an Aging Ahead volunteer who fell in love with the Friendly Caller program…maybe as much as he loves golf!
Kevin cared for his mother during her declining health and noticed that nothing gave her more comfort and happiness than simply calling and checking in on her regularly. “It felt good making her day and letting her know that someone cared for her. She lived alone, and sometimes I was the only person she talked to in a day.” After Kevin’s mother passed away, he felt driven to make a difference in the lives of other older adults struggling with loneliness. He reached out to the Aging Ahead Union Senior Center to volunteer and connected with Laura Conners, Aging Ahead’s Volunteer Coordinator. Kevin was trained to become a Friendly Caller and took on three participants, calling each several times a week to catch up and check in! “I really enjoy making the calls and connecting with my folks. It’s not a job or chore for me, I genuinely care, and my folks know that. The loneliness can really get to a person, so I’m just happy to help.”
The Friendly Caller program has made a big impact in the lives of our participants like Christy, “It’s so good to hear a voice and it’s life affirming that I’m not forgotten. The Friendly Caller program really helps reduce my isolation. To know someone cares means just everything to me.” Studies have shown that social isolation is equivalent to smoking 14 cigarettes daily. Not only are these calls nice, but they also help to improve a person’s quality of life! If you are interested in making an impact with the Friendly Caller program like Kevin, please email or call Laura Conners. lconners@agingahead.org or (314) 413-4710.