young girl hugging older woman

CREATING CONNECTIONS FOR THE AGING POPULATION

Many in our community are socially isolated: nearly a quarter of people are over 65. Many are at higher risk of isolation due to COVID-19, including people of color, people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and people with depression. Loneliness and isolation have a real impact on health: They are associated with increased risk of dementia, heart disease, depression and premature death.

United Way of Tarrant County is working to reduce social isolation among vulnerable seniors by expanding programs in our Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County and with partners including the Alzheimer’s Association and The Women’s Center of Tarrant County. The program is supported with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by Tarrant County.

NEARLY 25% OF OLDER ADULTS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE SOCIALLY ISOLATED*

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Our Impact

 

Through this collaboration, we seek to reduce social isolation for more than 3,400 older adults by the end of 2024 alongside our partners:

 

  • The Women’s Center expanded its evidence-based “Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives” (PEARLS). PEARLS provides eight sessions of in-home behavioral health services for isolated, depressed older adults.
  • The Alzheimer’s Association is providing services for support groups, community listening sessions and educational seminars.

Questions? Contact Katharine.Tuck@unitedwaytarrant.org