Research shows that social isolation has an impact on mortality equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

Social isolation and loneliness are linked to adverse health consequences including depression, cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity.

Nearly half of U.S. adults report that they sometimes or always feel alone; 35% of older adults report they’re socially isolated.

Our Impact During COVID-19

DOROT’s mission to alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older adults took on sudden, unprecedented urgency in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, as seniors were the most vulnerable population.

Here are some highlights from the past year:

5,507 older adults participated in nearly 85,000 programs, activities and volunteer connections.
Volunteers from 44 states and older adults from 30 states participated in DOROT programs.
More than 1,000 volunteers made ongoing Caring Calls, forming new friendships with older adults in New York City and as far away as California, Florida and Israel.
Delivered 48,000 Kosher meals to 345 older adults living with food insecurity, many for the first time.
Nearly 3,000 older adults participated in 872 Zoom programs, moving onsite programming to a virtual format within weeks of lockdown.
Volunteer Tech Coaches led more than 500 remote tech sessions with older adults eager to learn how to use a laptop, tablet or smartphone.