INSTITUTE ON AGING

Description

IOA believes the future should be something to look forward to, at every age. As the leading advocate for older adults and those who care for them, we offer a broad spectrum of services and support to help seniors maintain their independence as long as it is safe to do so. The 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

We are Located at 3575 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco. Currently we suspended admission to interested volunteers not located within the United States. Please still consider applying so we have your contact information in case our protocols change and we resume admission to non-US citizens. Thank you!