The team at Ooma presented data that shows a 15-minute phone call can meaningfully help an aging parent, neighbor, or friend. Studies from organizations like HELPeN and BASIL have proven that weekly phone calls improve depression, feelings of loneliness, and even cognitive functioning in seniors. The study definitively showed that these voice conversations were more effective than text-based communications.
For anyone who wants to step up for the seniors in their lives and communities. They suggest five actions:
1. Schedule a weekly recurring call with a senior. Remember that consistency matters more than the length of the call.
2. Ask a senior open-ended questions about their childhood, favorite decades, or proudest moments.
3. Remember to focus on listening in this conversation. It’s not a moment for fixing problems or a dominant conversation.
4. Volunteer with LBFE, DOROT, or the Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line.
5. Join Meals on Wheels and make deliveries for at-risk seniors.
infographic by: www.ooma.com
