Loneliness and isolation are a major challenge for many older adults. Research shows that lack of contact with the outside world can lead to health issues. Earlier this year the COVID-19 struck hard and caused many senior citizens to remain at home and to be careful when they leave to get critical items like food and prescriptions.
In March of this year, AARP created the Friendly Voice program designed to break the wall of loneliness made more formidable by COVID-19 and social distancing.
If you are isolated or lonely, you can get a friendly social call once a week from one of about 100 trained volunteers from throughout the United States. Just call 1-888-281-0145 and leave a message asking for a friendly call. Calls are made Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time. The calls are strictly social in nature. The calls are not for problem solving nor are they a health crisis line. However, the trained callers have a list of resources they can share with those who want help with information on issues like COVID-19 and emotional distress.
Referrals to the Friendly Voice Call program can also be made by family members or relatives. You do not have to reside in Churchill County to ask for help. Local residents who have elderly family or friends in another city in Nevada or in another state can encourage their relatives and friends to ask for a friendly voice call.
The AARP Friendly Voice program is another effort to help those isolated and lonely to connect with the outside world.
Stan Cooper is a native of Fallon. He worked many years for AARP and is a Friendly Voice caller. He resides in New Mexico.
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