A Friendly Voice: Just a phone call away

We all have a need for social connections, to talk to someone about our day, events in our lives, share stories or whatever is on our mind. Social connections, how we relate to and interact with others, are important to reduce social isolation and loneliness for all ages, but particularly for older adults as we age.

In this Episode of Aging Vibrantly, we will talk with France Connor, Manager of 'A Friendly Voice', that provides a free call-in service for adults over 55 years old who live in Ontario or Atlantic Canada. When an older adult calls the toll free number at 1-855-892-9992 they will be greeted by a compassionate and caring volunteer who will listen to them. Each call may last up to 30 minutes and seniors can call as many as 3 times a day.  A Friendly Voice is available from 8 AM - 10 PM (ET), 7 days a week/365 days a year.

In this episode you will learn:

How volunteers at A Friendly Voice are trained in having good listening skills, showing empathy and respect and to identify warning signs of abuse, neglect or fraud. Why maintaining connections can help older adults mitigate the negative impacts of isolation and loneliness, which are often associated with increased risks of poor health, depression, anxiety, elder abuse, disability and frailty. How keeping engaged with others can provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and even improve cognitive function and yes, age vibrantly! About the WHO (World Health Organization) recent study, that found 1 in 6 people on this planet feel lonely. In Canada, an estimated 1.6 million older Canadians feel lonely, which is almost one in five Canadian seniors aged 65 and older experiencing loneliness. Until next time - Stay Vibrant!

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References & Resources:

A Friendly Voice

https://afriendlyvoice.ca

Toll-Free: 1-855-892-9992

From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection

https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection/report

Webinar Presentation at SAGE: