In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report on “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” highlighting the need for social connection among Americans.
This loneliness and isolation, wrote Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, “harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.”
His report found that one in two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness – even before the COVID-19 pandemic led to detachments from friends, loved ones and support systems.
Addressing this vital need for socialization, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden has launched a new initiative, “Calls of Joy,” which brings compassionate listening to a demographic that too often experiences isolation: senior citizens.
In weekly phone calls, recipients will “feel heard and seen, and know that they matter,” says Christine Willard, VITALity’s manager of parish-based senior programs.
“Calls of Joy” is part of VITALity’s Life to the Fullest free membership program, which connects seniors to health and well-being resources.
Nicole Keefer, VITALity’s executive director, says these phone calls – made by volunteers – can help give struggling seniors “purpose, hope and a reason to get out of bed.”
She related conversations she’s had with participants in VITALity’s other senior ministries. “They’ll say to me, ‘You’re the only person I’ve talked to this week, other than the mailman and the grocery store clerk. The [ministry] saved my life.”
Keefer acknowledged that there are other phone call-centric programs available to the area’s seniors, but whereas those include questions on whether recipients are taking medications, or making medical appointments, “Calls of Joy” focuses on being “uplifting, joy-filled conversations with someone who just truly wants to say hi, and see how they are doing.”
These compassionate interactions will not only benefit those receiving the call, but those on the other end of the line. “For the callers, they’ll know they’re valued contributors to society. The calls give them purpose as they engage with seniors,” Keefer said.
Willard reflected on the ever-evolving digital age, saying, “In a world that caters to isolation, we have to remember that we’re meant to be in community. … In these calls, we’re bringing joy to others, giving them conversation and connection. It’s life-giving.”
To sign up for VITALity’s free program, “Calls of Joy,” or to learn how to be a trained caller, visit https://www.vitality.camdendiocese.org/calls-of-joy-program, or call 856-583-6123.
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