Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or cut off, and it is common in later life. Federal health agencies treat it as a real health risk, not just a mood. Families can help most by adding regular, predictable contact: scheduled calls, a weekly outing, a senior center program, a volunteer visitor or a paid companion.
Loneliness and isolation are not the same thing
The CDC describes loneliness as a feeling: you can feel lonely in a full room. Social isolation is a fact about someone’s life: few relationships and little regular contact with other people.
The two often travel together, but not always. A parent who lives with a spouse can still feel lonely. A parent who lives alone and rarely sees anyone may say they are fine. Both situations are worth paying attention to.
Common triggers in later life include the loss of a spouse or close friend, giving up driving, retirement, a move, hearing or vision loss, and health problems that make getting out harder.
Why company matters for health
In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. It reports that about one in two adults in America said they had experienced loneliness in recent years. It also states that the mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
For older adults specifically, the CDC, summarizing a National Academies report, links social isolation with about a 50% higher risk of dementia, a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke. Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
These are population-level findings, not predictions for any one person. They are a good reason to treat regular company as part of everyday wellbeing, the same way you would think about meals or exercise.
What to look and listen for
Loneliness is easy to miss, especially over the phone. Some signs that a parent may be more cut off than they let on:
- They mention fewer names when they talk about their week.
- They have stopped going to a club, place of worship or class they used to enjoy.
- Calls run long because they do not want to hang up, or they have stopped answering.
- Days have little structure: meals skipped, the TV on all day, no reason to get dressed.
- They have stopped driving and have not found another way to get around.
- Hearing loss makes conversation tiring, so they avoid it.
None of these signs is a diagnosis. If low mood lasts, or you notice changes in sleep, appetite or memory, encourage your parent to talk with their doctor. For a broader checklist, see our guide to signs your parent may need help at home.
Practical ways families can help
Small, regular contact usually matters more than occasional big visits. A few ideas that work at a distance or close by:
- Put contact on a schedule. A standing call at the same time each day or week gives your parent something to look forward to.
- Share the load. Siblings, grandchildren and neighbors can each take a day so no one person carries it.
- Build in a reason to leave the house. A weekly class, lunch program or religious service creates routine and new faces.
- Fix what makes talking hard. A hearing check, a phone with large buttons or a simple video-call tablet can remove a barrier.
- Make it about purpose, not just company. Volunteering, teaching a skill or helping a neighbor gives a sense of being needed.
- Add a daily check-in. Maryland runs a free automated check-in call service for residents 60 and older (details below).
- Consider paid companionship. When family cannot be there often enough, a companion can visit on a set schedule for conversation, walks, games, meals together and light help around the house.
Options compared
| Option | What it offers | Cost | Good fit when |
|---|---|---|---|
| County senior centers | Classes, fitness, social programs, trips | Varies by program; check the county activity guide | Your parent can get there and enjoys groups |
| Villages | Neighbor-to-neighbor volunteers, social events, practical help | Some are all-volunteer with no fee; others charge membership | Your parent wants to stay connected to their own neighborhood |
| Maryland Senior Call Check | Automated daily call or text; optional weekly live call | Free for Maryland residents 60+ | Your parent lives alone and you want a daily check |
| Paid companion care | Scheduled one-on-one visits, conversation, activities, light household help | Hourly, set by the agency | Your parent prefers one-on-one company at home, or needs more contact than family can give |
Companion care is non-medical. It does not include bathing, toileting or help with medication. Learn more about companionship services and how home visits are planned.
Starting the conversation
Few people like to be told they seem lonely. It often goes better to ask about specifics: “What did you do on Tuesday?” or “Would you want to try the lunch program with me once?” Offer to go along the first time, since walking into a new group alone is the hardest part.
Let your parent choose. Some people light up in a group; others prefer one steady person who comes on the same day each week. The right answer is the one they will keep doing.
Common questions
What is the difference between loneliness and social isolation?
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or disconnected, even around other people. Social isolation means having few relationships or little regular contact. A person can have one without the other, and both are linked to health risks.
Is there a free daily check-in service for older adults in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland’s Senior Call Check and Social Connections program is free for Maryland residents 60 and older. It sends a daily automated call or text and now offers an optional weekly live call. Call 1-866-502-0560 or enroll on the Maryland Department of Aging website.
Where can I find social programs for a parent in Montgomery County?
Start with the county Aging & Disability Resource Unit at 240-777-3000. Montgomery County Recreation runs senior centers for adults 55 and older, and volunteer-led Villages offer social events and neighbor help in many communities.
Sources
- U.S. Surgeon General: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (2023)
- CDC: Loneliness puts older adults at risk for serious medical problems
- National Institute on Aging: Tips for staying connected
- Maryland Department of Aging: Senior Call Check and Social Connections
- Montgomery County Recreation: Senior Centers
- Montgomery County: What Is A Village?
- Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Phone numbers and programs were checked on the date shown above; confirm details with the agency before you rely on them.