Connectedly combats social isolation by keeping older adults engaged with one another

Participants in Connectedly's Healthy Lives group doing karaoke. Photo courtesy of Connectedly

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General labeled loneliness a public health epidemic. It was a powerful statement highlighting years of collective isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a ringing endorsement of community as a tool for healing.

Connectedly has been working to alleviate social isolation by promoting connection and a sense of belonging among the aging population for over 40 years. With some 40% of Philadelphians aged 65 and up living alone, and 48% of low-income seniors living alone, a significant chunk of the city’s population is vulnerable to social isolation, which increases the risk of dementia, stroke, anxiety, and heart disease.

Whether it’s bringing people together for workshops about self-care and stress management, providing digital literacy training, or ensuring that homebound adults get the support they need, Connectedly’s programming keeps seniors engaged with one another, and reminds them that they’re not alone.

One program participant summed up Connectedly’s impact on their wellbeing this way:

I have been more positive and learned to love more. I look forward to the conversations on the phone, it is the most interesting day of the week. I look forward to it, also, it helped me toward getting all my booster shots.”

Phone conversations are the primary method of communication for many of the participants in the Homebound Adult Counseling program, providing an essential weekly lifeline for seniors who are unable to physically leave the house without help.

In addition to counseling and support groups for seniors, Connectedly’s GrandFamilies program helps grandparent-headed households navigate the unique challenges faced by older adults raising young children. From caregiving workshops and resource referral to reading groups and family outings, Connectedly helps alleviate the burdens of child rearing so grandparents can focus on being loving and attentive caregivers.

Grandparents and grandchildren visited the October Gallery and had a chance to use cameras and discover literacy through photography. Photo courtesy of Connectedly.

The number of grandfamilies in Philadelphia is significant. According to a study by Generations United, more than 14,000 grandparents in the city are responsible for the grandchildren who live with them. 46% of these grandparents are 60 years old or older, 43% are Black/African American, 33% have a disability, and 23% live below the poverty line.

The supports offered by Connectedly fill critical information and access gaps among an already vulnerable population. Saunders House Foundation is honored to support aging neighbors in our communities through their work. To learn more about Connectedly and donate, visit them here.