What is Social Isolation?
Social Isolation may look different for different people. If you have limited or no contact with others but would prefer more, you may be experiencing social isolation. Social isolation can lead to loneliness and can impact physical and mental health. Social isolation can happen to people at any age. Older adults may be more likely than others to feel socially isolated because of various life transitions.What Can We Do About Social Isolation?
AgeOptions and our partners in suburban Cook County are working to reduce social isolation by offering opportunities for social engagement in-person or virtually. Here are a few examples of the programs that allow for more social connection:- Sing with our weekly Sounds Good Sing Along
- Connect with other LGBT+ people with our Thrive with Pride Cafe program
- Learn about Uniper, the free virtual senior center in your home through your TV or tablet
- Find a local community dining site or home delivered meals with our nutrition programs
- Participate in a local or virtual health promotion workshop at Illinois Pathways to Health (click on “Find a Class”)
- Connect with your local public library for help with technology and to access programming with our Library Program
- Sign up for free Active Daily Living emails on topics that matter to you
- And much more…
- Aging Care Connections
- Kenneth Young Center
- North Shore Senior Center
- Oak Park Township Senior Services
- Pathlights
- CJE SeniorLife
Caregivers and Care Partners
If you are a caregiver or care partner, you may have unique social isolation needs. Learn more about the caregiver programs AgeOptions and local Caregiver Resource Centers offer here. If you are a person experiencing memory loss or a care partner for someone who is, there are targeted programs including:- Local Memory Cafes
- Weekly virtual Good Memories Sing-Along .
- Respite services
- And more – to find your local Caregiver Resource Center, search by your address here or contact AgeOptions
Not Sure Where to Start? Contact AgeOptions
Our information and assistance team is ready to help you discover social engagement opportunities. Call us at 708.383.0258 or contact us today. Learn more about the statewide effort to combat social isolation here.Library Program
Public libraries in suburban Cook County offer targeted programming to older adults in their communities, providing socialization and bridging the digital divide.
Services for Limited English Speaking Elders
Targeting To Culturally and Linguistically Isolated Older Persons and Senior Opportunities and Services
Memory Cafés
Memory Cafes are stigma-free social settings where people living with dementia and their care partners can meet others and enjoy time together!
Nutrition Innovations Initiative
Find forms, templates, requirements, standards and other information our Nutrition Program Partners may need. If you do not find what you need here, please contact Phillip Lanier: phillip.lanier@ageoptions.org, or call (708) 934-2257.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
The ADRC offers information to help older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities make decisions about care.
Find Services in Your Neighborhood
Utilize these directories to find services near your home.
Illinois Pathways to Health
The Illinois Pathways to Health is an initiative by AgeOptions to help all Illinoisans to better manage their chronic conditions and reduce their risk of falls.
Thrive with Pride
We want to provide welcoming and inclusive services to all, regardless of sexual orientation, relationship status, and gender identity.
Caring Together, Living Better (CTLB)
West suburban faith and community based organizations provide services to support low-income African-American and Latinx caregivers.