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Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly offers life-changing friendship for older adults in DuPage and Kane counties

October began with the International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), a day on which the United Nations annually recognizes the contributions of older persons and examines issues that affects their lives.

In DuPage and Kane counties, Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly is meeting older adults where they are every day by promoting friendships and positive connections between volunteers and older adults.

This fall, Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly continues its work and welcomes older adults to participate in its programs.

“If you are a DuPage or Kane County resident who is 70 or older, and you are aging without the support of family or close friends, call us,” said Josh Chartier, director of volunteer services and community engagement. “We have volunteers who are eager to meet you. And we offer different activities to celebrate, have fun, and, yes, make new friends.”

Michelle and Joy at the Fall Festival Luncheon held in Batavia last month by Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly, which works to alleviate isolation and loneliness among older adults. Courtesy of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly

Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly’s list of activities for DuPage and Kane County seniors is growing fast — from Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and celebrations, to Valentine’s Day and Halloween gatherings, to special birthday deliveries and more. It is always finding new ways to connect.

Chartier added, “It’s nice to celebrate special occasions but the everyday joys of friendship matter, too. Sometimes you just want a cup of coffee and a chat. It means a lot to have someone to go to lunch with or even hear that friendly voice on the phone.”

Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly has offered programs to older adults in DuPage and Kane counties since 2022 from the year-round program site and vacation home for older adults in Batavia.

Impact of loneliness

More recognition of the impact of loneliness strongly supports the need to reach out to older adults. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory that called isolation and loneliness “an epidemic” in this country.

The advisory identified a wide range of health-related issues associated with loneliness and isolation — including a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.

Meanwhile, a range of prominent studies have recently reinforced the importance of addressing loneliness in our society. Last month, an article in the New York Times shared that “Americans of all stripes are reporting they have a declining numbers of friends.”

The article asked: “What is the most important single thing that you can do to heal our national divides and to improve the social and economic mobility of your struggling neighbors.” The answer: “Make a new friend.”

Simone Mitchell-Peterson, CEO of Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly Chicago, emphasizes the organization’s continuing work to connect volunteers to older adults through programs that emphasize friendship.

“No one plans to grow old alone, but as we age, we lose friends and social connections,” Mitchell-Peterson said. “Friends make life richer and friends are also good for your health. How often can you add something to your life that is so fun and but also so beneficial? The men and women we serve tell us that they feel connected and know they are acknowledged as valued members of the community.”

If you’re a senior in DuPage or Kane counties who would like to know more, or if you know a senior in your neighborhood or community who is aging without support from family and close friends, contact Josh Chartier at jchartier@LBFEchicago.org or call (312) 455-1000.

“Why not bring the brightness of new friendship to your life? It only takes a phone call to start,” Chartier said.

About Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly Chicago

For almost 65 years, Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly Chicago has been providing opportunities for Chicago older adults to make meaningful friendships. It serves about 1,000 seniors in the city every year. Events, visits, and other programs help seniors who are aging without support from family or friends build new and lasting relationships. All services and programs are free to seniors, regardless of income.

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