The Friendship Line is California’s largest warm line, and has never gone unanswered since it was founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore. Dr. Arbore’s observation that “connection to others binds us to life” led him to establish the Friendship Line, which provides phone calls that offer emotional support and friendly conversation.
Institute on Aging’s staff and volunteers respond to more than 11,000 inbound and outbound calls per month. The nationally-known Friendship Line is a signature program of Institute on Aging’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, and is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.
This program serving the community is funded by the following:
Friendship Line
Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services
🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave everything—and honor the Veterans we continue to serve.
Through Companioa and IOA’s Enrichment Center, we’re proud to support Veterans with dementia care and enrichment center programs, now covered by expanded VA benefits.
📞 Learn more: 415.750.4111
#MemorialDay #VeteranSupport #IOACares #Companioa
💬 Connection is essential to aging well.
This Older Americans Month, help us spread the word about the Friendship Line—a lifeline for older adults who feel isolated, anxious, or in need of a friendly voice.
📞 888.670.1360 | Open 24/7
#OlderAmericansMonth #FriendshipLine #YouAreNotAlone #IOACares
✨ What a night! ✨
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 IOA Gala: Joining Hearts, Changing Lives.
On May 1st, we came together to celebrate compassion, connection, and the community that makes IOA’s mission possible. From the moving moments to the shared laughter, your presence and support help us ensure that older adults continue to age with dignity.
💙 We’re deeply grateful.
#IOAGala2025 #JoiningHeartsChangingLives #IOACares #SupportSeniors #AgingWithDignity
What if there’s still light to be found in the dementia journey?
Dementia is often seen only through the lens of loss—but for some families, it also opens the door to unexpected moments of connection, laughter, and love.
In our latest blog, IOA Caregiver Coach Alexandra Kaplan reflects on a powerful New York Times essay and the importance of shifting our focus to the meaningful moments that can still emerge.
💙 It’s not about ignoring the challenges—it’s about allowing space for joy, too.
Read more by clicking the link in our bio.
#DementiaCare #AlzheimersSupport #CaregiverSupport #IOACares #MomentsThatMatter
Institute on Aging (IOA) CONNECT is your direct line to us and the starting point for help with your concerns about the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities. IOA CONNECT links you with our services, as well as community services available. Reach out to connect with us.
Phone: (415) 750 – 4111 | Fax: (415) 750 – 5338
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