top of page
FRIENDSHIP THAT MAKES A
DIFFERENCE.
For too many senior adults, loneliness becomes part of everyday life. Friends and spouses pass away, family may live far away, and days can go by without meaningful connection or a familiar face stopping by. But making a difference doesn't always require something extraordinary. Sometimes it's pulling up a chair. Sharing a conversation. Playing a game of cards. Remembering a birthday. Holding a hand. Or simply showing up so someone knows they haven't been forgotten. At MyFriend, we believe every senior deserves to feel seen, valued, loved, and remembered. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as friendship.
THE HIDDEN HEALTH CRISIS OF
LONELINESS
Loneliness and social isolation have become a growing public health crisis, affecting millions of older adults. Beyond the emotional toll, a lack of meaningful social connection is associated with serious risks to physical, mental, and cognitive health. As we age, maintaining meaningful relationships isn't simply a matter of companionship—it's an essential part of our overall health and well-being.
27% of adults 80+ experience loneliness
34% of adults 80+ are socially isolated
50% higher dementia risk associated with social isolation
46% higher odds of depression among socially isolated older adults
15 cigarettes a day - comparable mortality risk to lacking social connection
AGING AND THE NEED FOR
FRIENDSHIP
As we age, our world can gradually become smaller. Familiar routines change, independence may decline, and opportunities for social connection can become less frequent. For older adults living in senior care communities, these changes can be especially significant. But there are meaningful ways family members, friends, and loved ones can help them continue to feel connected, valued, and remembered.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF LONELINESS IN ELDERLY ADULTS
Loneliness among older adults is more common—and more harmful—than many people realize. While it’s easy to notice physical changes in a loved one, emotional well-being can be much harder to detect, especially when loneliness shows up in subtle or easily overlooked ways. Recognizing the signs early can help you take meaningful steps toward offering support, connection, and comfort.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
In conversation about the well-being of older adults, two terms often come up: social isolation and loneliness. While they’re closely related and often go hand in hand, they are not the same. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for anyone who wants to support seniors in leading fuller, more connected lives.
A STORY SHAPED BY THREE
GENERATIONS
In the final chapters of their lives, my grandmother lived in assisted living and my great-aunt in memory care. My mom and I, along with other family members, visited often, and I will always be grateful for the time we had with them. But even with a family who loved them and showed up, there were still hours and days between those visits. There was a loneliness that could sometimes linger in those spaces.
THE PRICELESS GIFT OF
FRIENDSHIP
Each senior enrolled in our six-month companion program receives an estimated $1,252 in donated volunteer services, provided at no charge to the senior. Your generosity makes these meaningful friendships possible. One-time and recurring donations help cover the direct costs of our program, allowing us to recruit, train, and support volunteers while bringing consistent companionship to more seniors in our community.
Flexible Giving: Make a one-time gift or become a recurring supporter.
Tax-Deductible: Your donations are tax-deductible.
Direct Impact: Donations help cover the direct costs of providing meaningful companionship to seniors.
Volunteer-Led: Our founders and companions serve without compensation, helping maximize the impact of every donation.
"I referred a senior patient of mine who has no family, and watching the impact of consistent companionship has been incredibly moving."
COURTNEY N.
Google Review
"They has been visiting my mom for about 5 months now and she so looks forward to their visits! I was very impressed with their genuine compassion, professionalism and kindness! I would highly recommend their service to anyone who is considering reaching out to MyFriends!"
TAMMY E.
Google Review
"I am so glad I connected with Sarah and Sharon! They visit my 92-year old mom every week at her assisted living facility and give me updates after each visit. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have them in our lives."
ARTHUR E.
Google Review
bottom of page