Warm calls lift spirits: study tests simple way to fight loneliness in seniors

This study is testing whether regular, friendly phone calls from trained volunteers can help reduce loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide in older adults who are homebound. About 400 people aged 65 and older who receive home-delivered meals or other community services will take part. Some will get calls from helpers trained in empathy and belongingness, others from helpers also trained in suicide prevention, and a control group will receive no calls during the study. The goal is to see if these 'warm calls' improve social connection and quality of life.