Who We Serve
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As
the nation's population ages, and as family and friends scatter
throughout the country, isolated elders are becoming a growing concern.
Isolation prevents elderly people from getting help with routine
activities and in crisis situations. It also poses serious emotional
consequences that can often lead to premature institutionalization.
| "My
old friend and I share many similar interests, from poetry, writing and
dance to talk of travel and far-away places we've been to. Our visit
are full of laughter, memories shared and companionship." |
Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly serves aged San Franciscans who
have few, if any, friends or family in the San Francisco Bay Area. 34%
of San Franciscans over the age of 65 live alone. All elders served by
Little Brothers are 60 years of age or older.
Women represent 71% of the elderly and men represent 29%. The
average age of the women is 78 and the men, 75. In 1999, Little
Brothers-Friends of the Elderly served 810 elders. Most of these live
solely on government assistance. Top neighborhoods where the elders
live include Tenderloin/Hayes
Valley, Mission, Western Addition and Lower Nob Hill.
Did you know...
Social isolation is a risk factor for many illnesses:
1/3 of people over age 65 have nutrition deficiencies (U.S. Census Bureau)
6 million elderly suffer from some form of depression (CDC, National Health Interview Survey, 1993-1995)
Depression is a risk factor for cancer (CDC, National Health Interview Survey, 1993-1995)
Loneliness triples older adults' odds of being diagnosed with
a heart condition (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related
Statistics, 2000)
Suicide among white men age 85 and older is nearly 6 times
the rate for the general population (CDC, National Health Interview
Survey, 1993-1995)
Socially isolated women are three and a half times more
likely to die of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer (CDC, National
Health Interview Survey, 1993-1995)
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