Cheer a Senior' Program Helps Older Residents With Essentials and Companionship

The "Cheer a Senior" program in California combats isolation and loneliness by helping older residents with shopping, errands, and companionship, reports KABC-TV . The effort was launched after Senior Services at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton found numerous Orange County seniors prone to depression and social isolation. "Older adults who are lonely are much more likely, for instance, to be a fall risk," said Karyl Dupée at St. Jude. "They're much more likely to be a target for elder abuse or for scams that are directly aimed at older adults." More than 80 volunteers check on seniors each week to see if they need assistance or someone to talk to. "If more people were to get involved, we could help more seniors," said volunteer Mark Pennington.