View source for Institute on Aging Friendship Line - Senior Programs

{{Resource
|Group=Programs
|Category=Senior Programs
|Name=Institute on Aging Friendship Line
|Description=Institute on Aging (IOA)’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. They also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. IOA’s Friendship Line seeks to offer a response to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly, knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide. IOA reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults and their trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach. They connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. Their call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated older adults. Any aging adult or individual living with disabilities who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide can participate in confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers.
|Provider=Institute on Aging
}}
{{Contact
|Name=Office
|Phone=(800) 971-0016
}}