As many families gather together during the holiday season, others are left behind, isolated and lonely, without family or friends to visit.
While a variety of factors in our society are challenging our ability to build and maintain strong social connections at any age, the challenge can be far greater for some elders, especially when lost mobility and poor health become barriers.
Emerging research is demonstrating that social connections aren’t just “nice to have,” but that isolation leads to higher instance of disease and other health risk factors.
Here in the Twin Cities, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly matches volunteers as companions with elders year-round and for special holiday visits. Learn more on their website. Learn more about the broader issue of social isolation from AARP Foundation.