My widowed parent has lived alone for the past two years. My parent insist that they are fine but spends most of their time alone and seems withdrawn. What can I do to help, and are there any resources that could support them?

You are right to pay attention to this. The loss of a spouse often leads to increased isolation in older adults, even when they insist they are fine. But long stretches of time without meaningful contact can take a real toll on both emotional and physical health.

Public health research shows that about one in three adults age 50 and older report feeling lonely at times, and those who live alone are at higher risk for social isolation. Yet loneliness is not always easy to spot, especially in older adults who live alone. The good news is there are practical ways to help your parent reconnect, along with programs and services designed specifically for older adults living alone.

What you can do

Focus less on big changes in your interactions and more on being a steady, predictable contact. A short call every few days, a standing weekly meal, a coffee date or a regular shared errand gives your parent something reliable to look forward to. Consistency matters more than the length of a phone call or visit.

Even if you are not particularly close or do not live nearby, maintaining regular contact still makes a difference. Technology may also help bridge the distance through simple routines like weekly video calls, text check-ins, shared family schedules or photo threads. The goal is not constant communication, but fewer stretches where isolation might quietly take hold.

It also helps to widen your parent’s circle in practical ways. Siblings, grandchildren, neighbors and friends may all play role in this effort through brief calls, occasional visits or shared meals which all slowly rebuild connection. Familiarity and repetition matter more than effort or duration.

Encourage activity

Staying active will help reduce isolation. Many communities offer exercise classes, hobby groups, church activities, volunteer opportunities and lifelong learning programs. The best fit depends on their personality and whether your parent prefers large group settings or smaller, low-key interactions.

If transportation is a challenge, helping arrange rides or connecting your parent with local services makes participation more realistic. Having a sense of purpose is also important. Volunteering, gardening, taking care of pets, spending time with grandchildren, helping neighbors or mentoring others may add structure, meaning and a reason to stay engaged.

Available programs

There are several well-established programs that work to reduce isolation among older adults. One place to start is the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov, which connects families to local Area Agencies on Aging that will arrange services like meals, transportation, home visits and social programs.

Meals on Wheels America is an organization that addresses senior hunger and isolation. The organization delivers home meals and often includes brief daily check-ins from volunteers, offering both nutrition and a bit of regular human contact. AmeriCorps Seniors (americorps.gov) runs the Senior Companion Program, where trained volunteers provide regular visits, conversation and assistance, depending on available local programs.

For phone-based connection, the Institute on Aging Friendship Line (ioaging.org/friendship-line) offers 24/7 support and scheduled check-in calls for older adults living alone, while DOROT Caring Calls (dorotusa.org/programs/caring-calls) pairs seniors with volunteers for weekly conversations based on shared interests.

Local senior centers are also an important resource, offering meals, classes, group activities and transportation in many communities. Libraries, churches and community organizations can provide additional ways to stay connected.

Signs to watch

Loneliness sometimes overlaps with depression. If you notice changes such as poor sleep, loss of interest in usual activities, irritability, confusion or neglect of personal care, it may be time to involve a medical provider. These issues are not uncommon and may be treatable.

In the end, the goal is to help your parent stay connected and reduce isolation. If you start small and stay consistent, those simple touchpoints can add up to a more connected and meaningful daily life.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.