Visit your senior neighbor from time to time.
Loneliness has long been linked to a range of health problems, from depression to heart disease. Now, a new study highlights a simple but powerful tool to combat senior isolation: regular social calls and visits.
Research by Meals on Wheels America found that older adults who joined programs such as friendly calling (phone conversations) and friendly visiting (in-person interactions) improved their emotional well-being and social connections.
Data from ten local Meals on Wheels providers showed that 53% of participants felt less socially disconnected after regular interactions with volunteers. Seniors receiving these calls and visits also felt more satisfied with their relationships and found it easier to seek companionship.
One senior participant shared, “It’s nice to have someone to talk to about these things. I know I don’t answer the phone as often as I should, but I do appreciate the calls. I really do.”
Another added, “Everyone needs someone to talk to, to know that someone is thinking about them and that they can expect calls regularly.”
Meals on Wheels America spokesperson Laura Belazis said the organization plans to “reduce operational barriers” to social connection programs and improve the quality of these interactions as it expands to more providers.