Dorothy Williams has volunteered for 20 years with the Senior Companion Program, providing companionship to elderly residents like 90-year-old Lars Williams. Social isolation greatly increases health risks, including dementia and depression. States with high risks of isolation among seniors include Kentucky and Louisiana. In New York City, teens connect with older adults through DOROT, fostering intergenerational relationships. Concerns arise regarding potential cuts to federal funding for social programs that support isolated seniors, as expressed by Andrew MacPherson of the Foundation for Social Connection.
"I like live people, you know? You need people around you," Lars Williams said.
According to a 2020 study from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, social isolation significantly increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, depression, strokes and premature death.
Andrew MacPherson, founder and executive chair of the Foundation for Social Connection, warns that President Trump's recently passed 'big, beautiful bill' could slash federal funding for social programs, jeopardizing vital companionship, meal delivery and health-monitoring services for isolated older adults.
Teenagers Elizabeth Gerber and Mabinty Dakeit spend their afternoons building bridges across generations as part of DOROT, a nonprofit companionship program connecting teens with older adults.
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