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Interview

Introduction:

This interview features a Boston University student who has close relationships with their grandparents and has volunteered at a senior center, giving them firsthand experience with older adults and social isolation. Drawing on these experiences, the interviewee reflects on common causes of isolation among older people—such as losing a partner or friends, retirement, children moving away, and health problems that limit mobility. They also introduce Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), explaining its mission to provide companionship, social support, and community engagement for lonely seniors. Finally, the interview discusses the positive impact of LBFE’s programs on older adults’ emotional well-being, challenges misconceptions about socially isolated seniors, and suggests ways students and communities can support LBFE, such as visiting seniors, helping them with technology, and creating interest-based senior clubs.

InterviewHe Sun
00:00 / 08:10

Inspiration from the interview

This student shared personal experiences to illustrate the challenges faced by most seniors and delved into their root causes. He introduced fresh perspectives to the discussion: for instance, some seniors aren't averse to socializing—they actually crave it intensely—but physical ailments prevent them from participating like others. For seniors facing social isolation, we must proactively offer companionship to alleviate their sense of loss. He also provided fresh inspiration for our call to action section. This interviewee was formerly a member of LBFE. LBFE is an offline organization dedicated to assisting the elderly. If you wish to help seniors but struggle to find suitable opportunities, consider seeking out such organizations. Within these groups, you'll often encounter seniors eager for social connection. Volunteering allows you to support them to the best of your ability.

​View other pages to learn more about soical isolation !

This website is a student project and is based on limited research. Its only aim is to encourage people to care for the older adults around them and it should not be considered professional medical advice.

​Elderly Helper

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