Friendship Line

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or depressed? Give the Friendship Line a call – because sometimes we all need a friend.

888.670.1360

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 Agingโ€™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 Agingโ€™s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, and is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Call us Toll-Free in California: 888.670.1360

For Volunteer or Intern Opportunities, contact Aleks Bartlett at abartlett@ioaging.org

This program serving the community is funded by the following:

  • The California Department of Aging

  • City of San Franciscoโ€™s Department of Disability and Aging Services

Program Services

Friendship Line

  • Emotional support in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean
  • Specialized support for adults ages 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers

Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services

  • Virtual grief and bereavement support groups

Related Resources

When Michele reached her breaking point as a caregiver for her husband with dementia, one phone call changed everything. Through IOAโ€™s Caregiver Coaching program, she found guidance, support, and a renewed sense of hope.

Read Micheleโ€™s story, by clicking the link in our bio, and learn how caregiver coaching through Companioa can make a difference.

#DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #Companioa #AlzheimersSupport #IOACares
A simple conversation can change a life. Loneliness and social isolation can take a serious toll on seniors' mental and physical healthโ€”but a caring voice on the other end of the line can make all the difference. Thatโ€™s why IOAโ€™s Friendship Line exists: a 24/7 warmline offering emotional support and connection for older adults who just need someone to talk to.

๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น. Research shows that regular conversations through programs like the Friendship Line:

โœ”๏ธ Help reduce feelings of loneliness
โœ”๏ธ Lower depression and anxiety
โœ”๏ธ Improve overall well-being

Weโ€™ve explored these benefits in depth in our latest white paperโ€”detailing how meaningful connections are essential for senior mental health. Read more by clicking the link in our bio. 

Know someone who could use a friendly voice? Call ๐Ÿด๐Ÿด๐Ÿด.๐Ÿฒ๐Ÿณ๐Ÿฌ.๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฏ๐Ÿฒ๐Ÿฌ today.

#FriendshipLine #SeniorSupport #YouAreNotAlone #IOACares #MeaningfulConnections
๐ŸŽ‰โœจCelebrate With Us at Institute on Aging's Annual Gala!โœจ๐ŸŽ‰

We warmly invite you to an evening of elegance and meaningful connections on May 1st, 2025, for Institute on Aging's Annual Gala, where we will honor the extraordinary Adele Corvin for her unyielding dedication and contributions to the well-being of older adults. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ†

Donโ€™t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring evening. Secure your tickets now or find out how you can contribute to the cause. Visit the link in bio for tickets.

Together, let's honor Adele Corvin's legacy and continue to uplift the lives of the aging community. We look forward to celebrating with you on this memorable night! ๐ŸŽˆ

#IOAGala2025 #HonorAdeleCorvin #SupportAgingWell #InstituteOnAging #CelebrateChangeMakers #AgingWithDignity #JoinUs
Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed as a caregiver? Youโ€™re not alone.

Caregiver burnout is a common challenge, but recognizing the signs early can make all the difference.

In our latest blog, we share how to identify and prevent caregiver burnout, including:

 โ€ข Setting boundaries & realistic expectations
 โ€ข Prioritizing self-care & seeking support

๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ธ๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ณ, ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ผ. Read more in our blogโ€”link in bio!

#CaregiverSupport #CaregiverBurnout #MentalHealth #SelfCareForCaregivers #IOACares