Staying Connected: Resources for Older Adults

Many Americans suffer from a lack of connection with others. The Surgeon General’s 2023 report Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation explains how loneliness is “far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”

How to combat loneliness and isolation?

One place to start is by viewing a past library presentation by Paul Mangal, PhD. In the presentation, Dr. Mangal discusses the health impacts of social isolation and provides practical tips for connecting with others. The presentation may be viewed on YouTube.

Additionally, check out this list of books on Belonging and Connection, that you can put on hold to check out from the library.

The list below provides further resources for older adults in Marin County to connect with others: at the Marin County Free Library; through other Marin organizations and services; and through social media and other computer technology.

Connect With Others at the Library

The Marin County Free Library offers many opportunities for connecting with others. Several of our programs take place on a regular basis, providing an opportunity for developing relationships with others in the community who also may attend regularly.

Please note that events listed below may change, so check our Events Calendar before coming to the library. You'll also find many other events listed there.

Stinson Beach Library Coffee Klatch
Join librarians and fellow patrons for coffee, tea, and conversation in both English or Spanish. Meets every Friday from 10 a.m. – 1p.m. at the Stinson Beach Library. For more information, call (415) 669-1288.

Fairfax Library Community Poetry Group
Bring your poetry and your creativity to the Fairfax Library’s monthly gathering to learn and to celebrate the written word. There you will collaborate with one another in a welcoming environment using in-class writing, positive feedback, suggested themes and review of poetic forms. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax Library. For more information, call (415) 924-3515.

Fairfax Library Fabric and Fiber Makers’ Club - Club de Aficionados de Telas y Fibras
Calling all Quilters, Sewing Sirens, Mending Divas, Knitters, Spinner and Crocheters - Bring your project(s) to work on in a fun and lively social environment. Share your knowledge and expertise! Group meets up at the Fairfax Library, in person, in the Community Room space from 6pm to 7:45pm on the 2nd Monday of each month. For more information, call (415) 924-3515.

Novato Library Knitfest
Meet others with the same interest, get help with patterns and stitches, and get some work done on your projects. Minimal instruction, but lots of knit-related chat. Bring in your own projects to work on in a fun, social environment. Meets the 4th Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm at the Novato Library. For more information, call (415) 473-2050.

Book Clubs
A great way to connect with people is through books! Several of our branches host Book Clubs that meet on a regular basis, both on-site and on Zoom. Check out the link to find a book club that is right for you!

Local Social Service Agencies and Groups

Several Marin County and California organizations offer free services in which one can connect with others by telephone for information, conversation, and emotional support, or through in-person social visits.

AARP Friendly Voice

“We may be isolated, but we don’t have to be alone. Sometimes, just hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help in challenging times. Trained AARP Friendly Voice volunteers will provide a call to say hello.”

Call us directly at 1-888-281-0145 and leave us your information and we will call you back
Llámanos directamente al 1-888-497-4108

Friendship Line California 1-888-670-1360

From the Institute of Aging, calling this toll-free number will connect people to a trained team member. “The Friendship Line was created to challenge the idea that aging means isolation, and to provide warm, personal advice without bureaucratic restraints. We offer connection to those who need emotional support and welcome them into our extended community.“ In addition to English they offer services in: Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Korean.

Adults age 60+
Adults living with disabilities of any age
Caregivers seeking emotional support and guidance

LITA (Love is the Answer): One-to-One Friends

This free program “matches volunteers with residents of long-term care facilities for weekly visits.” LITA’s “100 volunteers … work with 28 of the 55 long-term care facilities throughout Marin. These dedicated volunteers bring personal friendships to the residents, may bring their friendly dog, or even play music. With every visit and through every volunteer interaction, LITA strives to “bring the warmth and vitality of the Marin community directly to residents so that they feel seen, heard and cared about.” For more information, call 415-472-5482.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.”

Marin Health & Human Services: Aging and Adult Services
(415) 473-INFO (4636)

Information and Assistance (I&A) social workers answer calls from the public regarding the full range of social services and related resources available to Marin County older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers.
Assist callers in clarifying their needs and desires
Language Translation Available: Social workers who speak Spanish are available during business hours. All language translation services are also available.
In-depth face-to-face meetings for more complex referrals

Volunteering

In addition to staying active and helping others, volunteering is a way to get to know people and develop friendships. Find volunteer opportunities on the following websites:

Activities & Classes

Signing up for an activity or class is a great way to meet others. The following organizations offer recreational and educational opportunities for older adults. Some of these organizations may require a fee for membership or for enrolling in a class.

College of Marin: Community Education
“Discover our short-term, not-for-credit courses spanning from personal enrichment to career advancement. Our aim is to provide you with opportunities to develop your interests. We present an extensive selection of enriching classes, engaging events, and opportunities to rent our campus facilities.”

The Emeritus Students College of Marin (ESCOM)
“Emeritus Students of College of Marin (ESCOM) was designed to foster lifelong learning opportunities for adults of Marin County through educational, social, and cultural activities under the auspices of the College of Marin.”

Front Porch: Well Connected
Well Connected is a free “national phone and online community that brings people together to explore, learn, laugh, and share experiences. Over 3,500 members from across the country join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home.”

Marin Villages
Marin Villages is “reimagining aging and community for older adults. Our members and volunteers enjoy living in the places they already call home, coming together for events and celebrations, building new friendships, and supporting each other through the journey of getting older.” The organization offers “a range of events each month to suit diverse interests, from coffees and meals to books, games, a men's group, needle arts, fine arts, speakers, training, walks, and hikes.”

Marin YMCA
“We provide various activities for Y-Adult ages 60+ years. From exercise classes to trips and lifelong learning programs, seniors will experience a strong sense of belonging and create a network of friends who provide support for sustained health and well-being.”

Osher Marin JCC
“From San Rafael, CA, the Osher Marin Adult Learning & Living program invites all—members, non-members, residents near or far, people of all backgrounds, faiths, ethnicities, fashion styles, chocolate preferences—to explore the arts, build a broader understanding of our world, taste a few treats together, and possibly pick up a new skill or two.”

San Rafael Goldenaires
The San Rafael Goldenaires Senior Citizen Organization "offers adults over the age of 62 the opportunity to meet and socialize with other people. Join us for classes, which include woodcarving, painting, bridge, and more. Our special events include monthly trips to fun destinations around the Bay Area, Broadway theater productions, and extended tours throughout the state. We also have a great time at our monthly themed luncheons, dinner dances and our annual craft fair." Events typically require purchased tickets.

Vivalon
Vivalon “helps Marin County’s older adults and vulnerable residents thrive through the power of human connection with rides, meals, classes, care, advice, and more.” Check their website for a schedule of classes.

Computer Help

Vivalon: Tech Tutoring
"Schedule a free one-hour tutoring appointment with one of our tech wizards. Bring your questions about any device – computer, tablet, or smart phone. Call 415-456-9062 to schedule an appointment."

Computer Help at the Library

Please note that events listed below may change, so check our Events Calendar before coming to the library.

Marin City Library: Drop-In Tech Help
Need help with your phone or tablet? Want to set up an email account? Want to check out our digital resources? No need to schedule an appointment, just come on in. Saturdays, 12-4 pm. For more information, call (415) 332-6158.

Stinson Beach Library: Drop-in Tech Help and Tips
Do you have questions about your laptop, tablet, or smartphone? Are there programs, apps, or digital library services that you want to learn more about? We are here to help! Bring your devices and/or your questions to the Stinson Beach Library on Tuesday evenings and get one-on-one assistance from library staff. Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Call (415) 868-0252 for more information.

Civic Center Library: One-on-One Tech Help
Reserve a one-on-one, 30-minute session with a Library staff member to receive tech help. Learn how to navigate your laptop, tablet, or smartphone with ease and start to understand the programs, apps, and digital library services that you use in your everyday life. Most Wednesdays 11 am - 12 pm by appointment. Sign up in person at the Civic Center Library main desk or call 415-473-6057.

Chromebooks and Hotspots

All our branches have Chromebooks and Wi-Fi Hotspots you can borrow. Hotspots can be placed on hold and check out for 3 weeks. Chromebooks cannot be placed on hold and check out for 2 weeks. It is possible to check them out separately or together, depending on your preference and branch availability. Call your local branch for more information.

Writing and research: Tom & Dan