Free resource for lonely seniors during the holidays

This year many seniors are feeling more lonely and isolated than ever due to the pandemic—and the holidays only amplify those feelings. But they have a resource to call and share their feelings -- it's called the Friendship Line.

The Friendship Line is the only toll-free, accredited crisis line in the country for those 60 and older. However, the Friendship Line is also a “warm line” that provides emotional support and a friendly, listening ear to lonely and isolated seniors, many of whom have no one else to talk to on a daily basis, or can’t see their families right now. With the holidays coming up, many older adult callers are bringing it up during their calls to the Friendship Line, talking about the differences and losses this year in regards to gathering for the holidays.

The Friendship Line is operated by Institute on Aging in San Francisco, a non-profit that offers services to seniors and adults with disabilities.