How older Californians can utilize resources to prioritize mental health, meaningful connections

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Many older Californians are living alone and facing social isolation, but state officials and health experts say resources are available to help maintain meaningful connections.

At 77, John Scott said he rarely leaves his apartment due to health concerns.

"Since February 18th, I've only been out probably three times, because my blood pressure somewhat bounces back and forth," Scott said.

Like many older adults, he has seen his social circle shrink over time.

"There's no one physically close to talk to, and to me, it helps to have someone that you can talk to - maybe it's the weather..." he said.

Scott was connected to a "warm" line, a service that operates 24 hours a day for people experiencing loneliness or distress. The Friendship Line, reached at 888-670-1360, receives about 16,000 calls each month from seniors and caregivers seeking connection.

"Many of our callers are homebound, but, even the ones who are ambulatory are often socially isolated, even though many of them are driving, even though they can get out and, and, manage their, their daily needs," said Jason Muscat, a call center manager for the Friendship Line. "They don't have meaningful social connections with, with other people in their lives."

State officials say Scott's experience reflects a broader trend.

"More and more older adults are living alone," said Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging. "In some communities, it's as high as one in three older adults, and that trend is especially pronounced among the oldest old - people who are over age 75."

Roughly one in four older adults report feeling isolated and lonely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Aging.

Psychotherapist Dr. Corrine McIntosh Sako said the effects are significant.

"It's huge. It's really huge," she said. "I think we underestimate how big of a problem loneliness and isolation really are and how they touch not just mental health, but one's physical health."

McIntosh Sako said about one-third of her patients are older adults and emphasized that even simple interactions can have a meaningful impact.

"And those rewarding connections are so important," she said. "It's not really about the number of people or the number of friends one has, but it's really about the quality of the connection - where there is that sense of purpose and there is that sense of meaning. That really acts to improve a person's mood, so they're feeling happier or less anxious."

DeMarois said those moments of connection can improve overall well-being.

"For older adults who are lonely and isolated or might be living alone, we hear that those moments of connection can really go a long way to benefit their physical and emotional health," she said.

Experts say opportunities to connect can be simple, such as visiting a senior center, attending a religious service or taking part in group activities.

"It would be things like having book clubs, having places where they can engage in crafts or brain games - even having local or weekly coffee meetings where they're meeting up with neighbors or just making small talk," Sako said. "Things like that are so incredibly important for our older generation to feel like they're connected, that they're not isolated."

For Scott, connection currently comes through regular phone calls. For others, the California Department of Aging said a range of free services is available across the state.

"There are a wide variety of free services available throughout California that people can tap into any day of the week, anytime...programs and services like home-delivered meals, group meals, exercise classes..." DeMarois said.