Dutchess Office For The Aging Promotes Senior Socialization

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — A program to alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation some seniors experience was introduced in Dutchess County.

The Dutchess County Office for the Aging began a pilot “Friendly Calls” program to connect older adults with volunteers who call them weekly, speaking for 20 to 30 minutes and providing all-important social interaction.

That helps the office achieve its mission of helping older adults remain active, age with dignity and live independently as long as possible.

The county adapted the program from the state’s Office for the Aging’s “Friendly Calls” service and has trained two dozen volunteers to connect with local, pre-screened older adults who are interested in fostering connections with others and reducing social isolation through weekly phone conversations.

Nearly 40 local seniors who already receive services, case management and/or home-delivered meals from the county’s Office for the Aging have registered to be part of the program, officials said.

The seniors were surveyed to determine their level of loneliness and interest in participating.

Volunteer callers, many of whom already donate their time with other Office for the Aging programs, are similarly eager to participate and improve the mental and physical health of the older adults they call, according to a spokesperson.

The program runs in eight-week periods, and following an initial introductory conversation, volunteers will spend 20 to 30 minutes each week talking with the older adults with whom they’ve been matched based on mutual interest.

If both participants express interest, the calls can be extended beyond the initial eight weeks.

County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said the safety and well-being of Dutchess’s older adults is a top priority and looks forward to expanding the program based on its anticipated success.

“Our Office for the Aging has begun its ‘Friendly Calls’ program to increase socialization for older adults who need it and decrease those adverse effects related to loneliness,” he said, such as higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and dementia.

To qualify for “Friendly Calls,” volunteers must be at least 18 years old, an active listener, a good conversationalist, able to speak clearly and slowly, if needed. They must also be interested in meeting a new friend and open to hearing new ideas.

Training includes teaching volunteers conversation starters, meaningful and appropriate topics, problem-solving guidance and how to respect boundaries, among other topics.

Volunteers, who report to a program manager, can speak with as few or as many older adults they feel comfortable handling.

The next volunteer orientation takes place Thursday. Space is limited and those interested in volunteering can call the Office for the Aging at 845-486-2555 for more information.