Connie Brown is married and has three daughters, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
But when the pandemic hit, so did a sense of isolation.
I was feeling lonely, the 82-year-old Texan says.
The two havent missed a week of chatting.
Were just two people who care about each other, Brown says.
According to anAARP survey, roughly a third of Americans 45 and older reported feeling lonely.
Loneliness was a health issue long beforeCOVID.
Bringing two generations together results in a different kind of dialogue.
Programs are usually free to participants and tend to follow a similar format, with regular one-on-one meetings.
Some services target specific audiences.SAGEConnect, for example, has offered programs for older LGBTQ adults since March 2020.
But surprise pairings is the key.
Big & Mini
Connects older adults with people generally 18 to 25 years old.
Matches are made using an algorithm that takes into account each persons interests, background and availability.
Participants connect through video calls.
Connections are made through video chats.
Mentors also meet with one another every two weeks to develop their coaching skills.
The paired participants engage in weekly phone calls.
Prospective volunteers supply information about themselves.
Social workers and program staff match older adults with volunteers, based on participants preferences.
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