Gerontology Students to Reach Out to Isolated Seniors

Sacramento State Gerontology students soon will make personal phone calls to older Californians quarantined by the coronavirus pandemic as part of a statewide effort to help vulnerable seniors cope with the crisis, reports Sacramento State News . In addition to students, participants in the Social Bridging Project include the Governor's Office, the state Department of Aging, United Airlines employees in several cities, and volunteers trained in Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster response. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently called on California to connect with older residents through the "Stay Home, Save Lives, Check In" initiative. The latest effort, led by Listos California, broadens the initiative's reach. Callers will receive training to evaluate basic needs, make referrals for various resources, and listen to people who may be feeling especially lonely. Sac State Department of Gerontology Chair Cheryl Osborne said students are well-suited to participate in this project. "Our students will be checking in on people, answering questions about resources, and lending a listening ear to seniors who have to stay at home," she explained. Osborne noted that Gerontology students are trained in various fields, including mental health concerns and senior abuse — and will be prepared to pass along any relevant information they collect to agencies that serve such needs.