About Our Services
The Social Connections Program provides structured, intergenerational social support to older adults while offering meaningful learning experiences for UTHealth Houston students. Our core
service is regular social phone calls that build relationships and foster trust, reduce loneliness, and deepen understanding of the challenges and rewards of aging.
What We Offer Older Adults
Through our program, older adults are matched with trained students for ongoing social connection and support.
Our services help older adults to:
- Share stories and build meaningful relationships.
- Rediscover purpose and intentional living.
- Feel socially reassured and cared about.
- Feel valued and connected to their community.
These calls are more than conversations; older adults often regard them as lifelines that foster connection, healthful living, and well-being.
How Our Phone Calls Work
Since 2021, our students have been making frequent social phone calls to older adults, sharing stories, building friendships, and offering heartfelt support. Each interaction is designed to provide companionship while also helping to combat the health risks associated with loneliness and loss of purpose.
Students learn how to:
- Navigate difficult or sensitive conversations.
- Recognize when someone may need additional support or resources.
- Better understand the day-to-day realities of aging.
Why Social Connection Matters
Social isolation and loneliness affect too many older adults, leading to a loss of meaningful relationships and a diminished sense of value. Poor or insufficient social connection increases the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, dementia by 50%, and raises the risk of premature death by over 60%.
By connecting generations, our services help build a healthcare system that truly values and supports aging individuals while preparing the future health professional workforce to recognize and respond to SIL.
How to Get Involved
If you or someone you know could benefit from regular social phone calls or engaging activities with our students, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Reply with your name and contact information, and we’ll reach out with more about our program and next steps.