Relieving Social Isolation Among Seniors
Through the adept facilitation of journalist Katie Hafner, the audience will hear directly from four expert panelists from four key service organizations that are helping to connect older adults at risk of social isolation. Village organizations, assisted living communities, phone line support services and senior centers are facing new challenges to support and connect at-risk older adults and disabled people in this time of social distancing and self-quarantine. Each of the four types of organizations is different. Learning how all four are working from different angles to meet the challenge of social isolation posed by this epidemic will give a sense of what is possible—and hopefully will generate ideas to open even more avenues for socialization.
To bring it all together, Commonwealth Club president and CEO Dr. Gloria Duffy will give us her family's firsthand perspective of living with her aging mother who suddenly finds herself separated from the groups and activities that would routinely bring connection and variety to her life.
MLF ORGANIZER
John Milford
This program is generously supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and a collaborative of local funders and donors. We are grateful for their support and hope others will follow their example to support the Club during these uncertain times.
Patrick Arbore
Ed.D., Director and Founder, Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief Related Services at Institute on Aging and the Friendship Line
John Blazek
M.S., J.D., Executive Director, Day Services, On Lok Inc.; Executive Director, 30th Street Senior Center
Emma Davis
MFT, Director of Programming, Rhoda Goldman Plaza
Dr. Gloria Duffy
President and CEO, The Commonwealth Club
Andy Gaines
Executive Director, Ashby Village
Katie Hafner
Journalist; Author—Moderator