A Statewide Initiative Addressing Social Isolation Among Older Adults

Aging presents a unique stage of life - one that has not been adequately explored.  As life expectancy grows, our society has not kept up with the potential of an added generation of experience - potentially decades beyond age sixty-five.   While projected longevity and increased quality of life presents opportunities, there are challenges that need attention now.  

As we age, we are more likely to live alone and can face barriers to community and connection.  Leaving work, the deaths of friends and loved ones, stopping driving, hearing and vision challenges all can isolate older adults from sources of community.  Social isolation alone doesn’t guarantee loneliness, but it is a significant risk factor.

Even before COVID-19, loneliness among older adults represented a serious threat to wellbeing – as dangerous as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.  The systems and resources that exist to serve older adults have been challenged to overcome a lack of in-person connection.

Older adults need to know what resources exist to help them connect with community and they deserve stories that authentically reflect their lived experience. Public media is uniquely positioned to serve older adults, their families and loved ones.

Working in collaboration with the New York State Office for the Aging, Buffalo Toronto Public Media is proud to collaborate with public media stations across New York state on a multi-platform project addressing social isolation among older adults through news coverage, shared personal stories, modeling healthy relationships, building community, and providing resources for seniors that reduce isolation and build resiliency.

Aging Together in New York will draw attention to the value of older adults in our communities and provide resources to help seniors build resilience and combat social isolation. Public broadcasters across the state will reach older adults on broadcast television and radio, online, and at in-person events with new documentaries, short films, and other engaging content.

Tune in to WNED PBS during the week of May 15-21, 2023 for special programming addressing senior isolation, loneliness, and depression.

Aging Together in New York brings together public media across the state to focus on a single issue across multiple platforms—broadcast television, radio, podcasts, online streaming, social media, live events, and more. 

Aging Together in New York programming will continue to be produced and aired throughout 2023 and available to stream.  

NY Connects is your trusted place to go for free, unbiased information about long term services and support in New York State for people of all ages or with any type of disability. NY Connects staff can help link you to long term services and supports, such as:

- Basic Needs

- Health Care Services

- Community Engagement

- Legal and Government Services

- Income Support

NY Connects' mission is to help you or your loved ones live as independently as you wish to while meeting your medical, social, and functional needs that arise from aging or disability.  

Learn more: https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/

New York State Office for the Aging 
https://aging.ny.gov/  

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) home and community programs provide older adults with access to supportive services designed to support and supplement informal care. NYSOFA’s goal is to improve access to, and availability of, appropriate services for older individuals. A full list of programs, services, and assistance can be found on their website or by contacting 1-844-697-6321 or NYSOFA@aging.ny.gov  

Erie County 

Erie County Senior Services 
https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/  

The Department of Senior Services of Erie County promotes the well-being of older adults through coordinated and cost-effective services that enhance independence, dignity, and the quality of life.  

Erie County Senior Services | Guide to Services  
https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/guide-services 

There are several agencies in Erie County that help older adults and Erie County has created a guide to assist individuals and families in finding the particular service needed.  

Erie County NY Connects 
http://www.erie.gov/nyconnects  

Erie County NY Connects is your “one-stop” for information about long-term care people who live in Erie County.  For free, impartial information call us at (716) 858-8526 (1-800-396-2705 toll free long distance), via email nyconnects@erie.gov or online. 

211 WNY 
https://www.211wny.org/  

211 WNY is a free, confidential link to health and human services with assistance offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Niagara County

Niagara County Office of the Aging 
https://www.niagaracounty.com/departments/a-f/aging/index.php  

The Niagara County Office for the Aging (OFA) brings together programs, services, and support facilities which help older adults maintain independence whenever possible.  

Niagara County Office of the Aging Community Partner List  
https://www.niagaracounty.com/departments/a-f/aging/community_partners.php  

Niagara County Office of the Aging Resource Guides 
https://www.niagaracounty.com/departments/a-f/aging/resource_guides/index.php  

Community Resource Guide for Niagara County 
https://cms5.revize.com/revize/niagaracounty/Document_center/Department/A%20-F/Aging/Resource%20Guides/Community%20Resource%20Guide%20052021.pdf  

Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging 
https://www.cattco.org/aging  

The Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging provides needed services to country residents who are age 60 or older. The county’s website acts as a guide to the services available including access services, housing, caregiver support, and other specialized services.  

Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging | Aging Services Guide 
https://www.cattco.org/aging/services  

Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging Helpful Link Guide 

https://www.cattco.org/aging/helpful-links  

The Seneca Nation Area Office of the Aging (SNI AOA) 
https://sni.org/community-services/aoa/  

The SNI AOA provides services and support for Elders and caregivers, including meal services, transportation, counseling, events, and activities. 

Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County Office for the Aging 
https://chqgov.com/office-aging/Office-for-the-Aging  

The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging provides programs and services to seniors and their families to promote independence, health and wellness in a safe and secure environment.  

Chautauqua County Office of the Aging | Aging Services Handbook 
https://chqgov.com/sites/default/files/document-files/2019-09/Aging%20Services%20Handbook.pdf   

Genesee County

Genesee County Office for the Aging 
https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/office_for_the_aging/index.php  

The Genesee County Office for the Aging offers a variety of programs and services to all county residents who are age 60 and over. The county website allows you to view the programs and services offered.  

The Genesee County Reach Out Directory 
https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/office_for_the_aging/resource_directory.php  

Orleans County

Orleans County Office for the Aging 
https://orleanscountyny.com/departments/office_for_the_aging/index.php  

Orleans County Office for the Aging Resource Links 
https://orleanscountyny.com/departments/office_for_the_aging/resources.php  

Ontario, Canada

Programs and Services for Seniors | Service Canada  
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/seniors.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_seniors  

Learn about the programs, services, and information available for seniors including nutrition, wellness, and more.  

Ontario | A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors 
https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-programs-and-services-seniors  

Find information on resources available for seniors in Ontario, including tax credits, health, caregiving, housing, transportation and staying safe.  

New York State Office for the Aging | Caring for a Loved One 
https://aging.ny.gov/programs/caring-loved-one  

NYSOFA has developed a Caregiver’s Guide video to help individuals learn more about resources thatcan help support them in the caregiver role. NYSOFA’s caregiver webpage includes resources and digital supports for caregivers and families.  

211 Caregiver Project 
https://www.211wny.org/provider/11349/  

The 211 Caregiver Project is a caregiver navigation program that provides crisis counseling, care coordination, needs assessment, linkage to community services, education, advocacy efforts, and specialized information and referrals.  

Genesee County Caregiver Support Services 
https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/office_for_the_aging/caregiver_support_services.php  

The Genesee County Office for the Aging offers several services that can help you care for your loved one. Please see the Caregiver Section in the Document Libraryfor some interesting articles pertaining to Caregivers. 

Kinship Caregiver Program- Olean 
https://www.211wny.org/provider/5940/#:~:text=Provides%20support%20to%20relative%20caregivers,other%20community%20organizations%20and%20services.  

This program provides support to relative caregivers using a family system approach. Families are linked to access existing programs and resources as well as forming new relationships with various community organizations in Cattaraugus County. 

The group celebrates their 40th anniversary live on stage in their hometown of Northampton, Massachusetts. Filmed on November 20, 2022, with an introduction by singer-songwriter David Byrne, the chorus sings highlights from their musical repertoire – including songs by Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Clash, Coldplay and Sonic Youth – and also pays tribute to members of the troupe who have passed away.

What started out in 1982 at a Western Massachusetts elderly housing project to joyfully pass the time instead of passing before your time, The Young@Heart Chorus developed into a stereotype-defying, generation-crossing musical extravaganza. Some choral members have prior professional theater or music experience, others have performed extensively on the amateur level, and there are some who never stepped onto a stage before turning 80. Since inception, there have been 150 people with the group.

The troupe, whose members are in their seventies and older, has toured the world from the United States to New Zealand, from Canada to Japan, and has collaborated with youth choirs and incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.

“People are surprised that Young@Heart can make music that’s not of their era and make it sound new without compromising on the energy needed to make the song rock,” said Bob Cilman, Young@Heart executive/artistic director, in an interview with MassLive.com. “People all over the world have appreciated that. When they see Young@Heart they are seeing one of a kind.”

The Young@Heart Chorus continues to prove it’s “possible to grow old without growing boring.”

Funding for Aging Together in NY was provided in part by the New York State Education Department.