Seeking Connection
For people of all ages, social connections are critical to health and wellbeing. Experts say we are inherently social creatures — hardwired to engage and depend on others for support throughout a lifecycle. Doctors and health researchers have signaled concerns about loneliness for decades — forced isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic introduced many more people to daily struggles with loneliness.
How important are social connections? How does loneliness impact a person’s mental and physical health? And are people looking for social connections in the right places?
Join Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams for Seeking Connection, a 1-hour broadcast special exploring the relationship between loneliness, mental health, and the power of social connections.
Contact your local public radio station for broadcast information.
GUESTS
Elias Aboujaoude, MD, MA
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Chief of Anxiety Disorders Section
Stanford University School of Medicine
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
Brigham Young University
Carla Perissinotto, MD, MHS
Professor & Associate Chief for Geriatrics Clinical Programs, University of California San Francisco
Geriatric Medicine & Palliative Care, University of California San Francisco Health & VITAS Healthcare
PRODUCTION TEAM
Kimberly Adams
The host of Call to Mind’s broadcast specials, and a host and senior correspondent for APM’s Marketplace. She covers mental health, politics, business and the economy for American Public Media from Washington, DC, where she also serves on the Board of Governors at the National Press Club.
Jessica Bari
Call to Mind’s senior producer, is an award-winning producer and journalist. With an extensive focus in health news and programming—her work has been on national and regional public radio stations, PBS, Discovery channel, History channel and SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio channel.
RESOURCES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential phone & text crisis support. Call or text 988 to get started.
Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness
An organization working to increase public awareness, amplify research findings, and advocate for policy change that combats the consequences of social isolation and loneliness, with the goal to improve social connectedness for all people and communities in the United States.
Connect2Affect
An AARP Foundation program working to create solutions, a network or resources and a deeper understanding of loneliness and isolation among older adults.
Foundation for Social Connection
In partnership with a world-renowned scientific advisory council, the foundation is leading research, convening forums, publishing resources for public use, and advising government agencies and non-government organizations.
Fountain House
A national mental health nonprofit fighting to improve health, and end social isolation for people with serious mental illnesses. Drawing on more than 200 community-based social rehabilitative programs inspired by Fountain House and known as “clubhouses” – in nearly 40 states and with more than 60,000 members.
Give Us the Floor
A safe teen-only online community for LGBTQI+ youth to break isolation while providing social contact and anonymity. Trained teen peer counselors facilitate the confidential groups chats.
Make the Connection
An online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.
Mental Health America
Helping all people live mentally healthier lives through advocacy, public education, and service.
National Council on Aging
Works with nonprofit organizations, governments, and businesses to provide community programs and services. A resource to find what senior programs are available to assist with healthy aging, financial security, increase social connectedness and healthy eating habits.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness.
National Institute on Aging
The NIA leads research and scientific research about the nature of aging. Shares tips and resources about aging well, in addition to information about loneliness and tips to stay connected.
Volunteer Match
Serving millions of interested volunteers each month and thousands of nonprofits – an award-winning nonprofit service providing the internet’s largest volunteer recruiting platform.
Support for Call to Mind is provided by Sozosei Foundation and the David and Lura Lovell Foundation.