Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer
Updated:

How to help older adults build meaningful connections

woman at table sits with phone
A simple phone call can help us feel seen, heard and connected — and that can matter even more as we get older. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about programs that bring older adults and volunteers together through phone conversations, virtual coffee chats and in-person visits.
Centre for Ageing Better via Unsplash

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

We all need someone to talk to. But as we get older, it can be harder to find opportunities to build meaningful connections.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about programs that bring older adults and volunteers together through phone conversations, virtual coffee chats and in-person visits.

two women pose for a portrait
Leigha Jensen (left), a volunteer with Friends & Co., a Minnesota-based nonprofit that runs programs to create connection and belonging for older adults, and Emma Lucchesi (right), senior director of programs at Friends & Co., pose for a portrait at Minnesota Public Radio headquarters in St. Paul on Wednesday.
Cari Dwyer

Guests:

  • Emma Lucchesi is the senior director of programs at Friends & Co, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that runs programs to create connection and belonging for older adults.

  • Leigha Jensen has volunteered with Friends & Co since 2018. She is matched with an older adult who she calls regularly and now considers a good friend.

You can find out more about their programs at Friends & Co or by calling 612-721-1400.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.