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Social connection is one of the fundamental factors effecting health and wellbeing. Time and time again, studies reveal how a lack of social interaction and loneliness can increase health risks for society, and more significantly, affect older adults.
According to the Center for Disease Control, social isolation is a major health risk for older adults, leading to mental and physical conditions. More than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated. There was an increase obviously during the stay-in-place order and to follow pandemic protocol.
Greater Cleveland Volunteers realizes the issue will continue long after the pandemic protocol and created Chat Pals, a telephone or video-based (Facetime or Zoom) program designed to be a support system, which hopes to provide emotional support and companionship to people in our community.
“Participants will receive a call from a trained, background-checked volunteer on a weekly basis. The goal is to match volunteers with a participant based on like-minded interests and experiences, so that a friendship can be formed remotely.” Explains Joy Banish, executive director of Greater Cleveland Volunteers.
The program will be available for participants aged 55+
If you want to learn more about being matched with a volunteer caller, or know someone who may benefit from this program, contact Kirsten Riley (216) 391- 9500 x 2124 or kriley@greaterclevelandvolunteers.org.