Social isolation has reached epidemic proportions, since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has had a negative impact on individuals emotional and physical health, including the older adult population. Social service providers stress that older adults who are having issues with food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, issues with transportation and financial challenges, to name a few, will only compound the feeling of isolation and loneliness, they may be experiencing. Research shows that being connected to a community and having supports may help improve overall mental and physical wellness which can help to alleviate social isolation and loneliness. A strong social network that individuals can rely on can make a big difference in people’s lives, during times of stress and need.
Connecticut’s state agencies and other social service partners around the state, have built a network of programs and services to assist older adults with supports and resources. This assistance can help with navigating ways to connect to a social network of programs to help alleviate the isolation individuals may be feeling as they age.
CONNECTICUT AGENCIES PROVIDING SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES
“Senior Center’s” in Connecticut offer a variety of services for residents. Search for a local senior center by putting in a zip code and/or city/town in the location search: 2-1-1 Connecticut (211ct.org)
To locate Recreational Activities” in Connecticut, enter a zip code, and/or city/town in the location search: 2-1-1 Connecticut (211ct.org)
To find “Companion Services” in a city/town in Connecticut, enter a zip code, and/or city/town in the location search to see if a service is available: 2-1-1 Connecticut (211ct.org)
To find a list of “Wellness Programs” offered throughout the state for a variety of health issues, enter a zip code, and/or city/town in the location search: 2-1-1 Connecticut (211ct.org)
Struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling down, link here to a list of mental health programs and services found in a community, that may be able to help. Enter a zip code, and/or city/town to find resources in a community: Mental Health – United Way of Connecticut – 211 and eLibrary (211ct.org)
For additional links to a variety of programs and services for older adults, visit the United Way of Connecticut’s “Older Adult’s” Category page: 2-1-1 Connecticut (211ct.org)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
___________________________________
SOURCES: AgeWellCT; AARP Foundation; AgingCT; U.S Department of Veterans Affairs; 211ct.org Website
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: July2024