Mac PFP

Thank you for mentioning the Phone-A-Friend Program in this article! It's a very difficult time for older adults in our communities, and a friendly voice can make a big difference.

“Everybody can make a difference,” says McMaster's Alexandra Papaioannou. “Think about calling older people in your life.” @dr_alexandrap @GERAScentre #McMasterU #BrighterWorld thespec.com/local-hamilton…

LTC residents have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and social isolation is no exception. Mac Phone-A-Friend Program is proud to support many older adults living in Hamilton LTC and RHs, via weekly phone calls from healthcare students.

For #olderadults keeping the active and engaged during a pandemic can be challenging. Simple activities like pairing and tossing socks are great ways to stimulate the mind and create activity. We have more activities! Visit bit.ly/3zrtFse to find more. #nsmsgs

In new @TheSpec Article, @kennedy_cck & @BrendaVrkljan discuss how prioritizing #selfcare has a beneficial ripple effect on other aspects of health and well-being. Read: thespec.com/news/hamilton-…

Today in @TheSpec, read about how people living with dementia are empowering dementia friendly communities locally! @GERAScentre @DementiaAlzh @HamHealthSci @RGPcentral @SRSMcMasterU @HaldimandCounty @cityofhamilton @SusanGoodman6 @dr_alexandrap thespec.com/opinion/contri…

The #Virtual #GERASFrailtyRehab study provides technology and internet access to those without devices, to ensure all participants are able to access the exercise intervention 💪 and engage in the study while at home during #COVID19. Link for more info: gerascentre.ca/frailty-rehab/

PSST. Looking for more socially distanced programming? Seniors Centre Without Walls is a Hamilton-based program that provides free group recreational activities for older adults over the phone. To register call 905-973-0891 or email scww@hamilton.ca.

We love this quote by Dr. Arbaje. Mac PFP allows Older Adults to connect beyond their usual circle of friends and family. Email us at macseniorisolationprevention@gmail.com for more information!

We thank our older adult partners for sharing so many important moments with our volunteers.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted older adults. Social isolation has many negative effects: -Anxiety and depression -Poor sleep -Physical inactivity Participation in programs such as Mac PFP may help combat social isolation! Read more here: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…

Friendships come in all forms. We love challenging biases about the generational differences between our volunteers and older adult participants!

Intergenerational laughter is the best! We love this testimonial by one of our volunteers.

Had a wonderful time presenting at @CanGeriSoc's Annual Meeting! Huge thank you to the whole @MacPhoneAFriend team! #CGSTurns40

Mac PFP by the numbers! As part of our commitment to ensuring our program is meeting your needs, we are constantly engaging in quality improvement. These numbers are from a recent survey of 50 program participants.

Social isolation and loneliness is one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in seniors. Thank you to all of our volunteers at Mac PFP for working hard to address this important issue! Read more at: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…

"It's been a lifesaver." “I feel like I’m talking to a friend, not a participant." More below on how friendly calling initiatives are helping combat social isolation in seniors during the pandemic: ow.ly/d9B550E0D5q

Socially isolated older adults are 4 to 5 times more likely to be admitted to hospital than older adults in general.