A Special Holiday Message
The holidays can heighten feelings of loneliness—for both younger and older members of our communities.
If someone comes to mind who may be on their own, a small gesture can mean a great deal—a thoughtful note, a simple call, an invitation to join you, or a practical offer of help. And, for something that’s sure to bring joy, you can also share the number for Peptoc (707.873.7862), a hotline featuring pre-recorded words of encouragement from students at West Side Elementary, a K–6 public school in Healdsburg, CA. It is truly uplifting.
Wishing you a warm and peaceful holiday season, and a bright new year ahead. With gratitude.
How Class Divide Impacts Aging and Longevity
Tune in to Columbia University’s upcoming aging seminar, Disconnected - The Growing Class Divide in Civic Life. Sam Pressler, Practitioner Fellow at Columbia University, will lead discussion on how social assets like friends, education, religious/community groups, and other forms of support–often dictated early on by level of education–can impact longevity and well being.
Follow the link below to register for the session, which takes place February 19, from 11am - 12pm ET.
Teaching Communities How to Address the Loneliness Epidemic
The U.S. Surgeon General declared social isolation an urgent public health concern, noting it impacts half of all American adults, with younger and older cohorts experiencing the most severe effects. The nonprofit, CoGenerate, is offering an innovators’ program designed to teach communities how to bring the two age groups together to bridge the loneliness gap. Apply to be part of the free, 5-week learning experience (applications due September 6).