The coronavirus pandemic can be especially difficult for older adults who live alone. To help support them, some American communities and groups have set up services aimed at meeting their needs for human contact and small talk.
The city of Plano, Texas offers such a program. A group of about 15 city government workers reach out to Plano’s elderly individuals by telephone. Now, some residents look forward to getting phone calls from total strangers.
The idea of getting calls from a stranger – just to chat – was immediately appealing to 81-year-old Dell Kaplan. “It gets pretty lonely here by yourself,” she told The Associated Press.
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Words in This Story
pandemic – n. a disease spreading over a wide area and affecting a high percentage of the population
chat – v. to talk with someone in a friendly, unstructured way
outlet – n. a way for someone to express an emotion, idea or ability
uplift – v. to make someone happy or hopeful
kids – n. children