What We Do Our Impact

Since 1979, the LBFE Boston community has been preventing and alleviating loneliness and isolation among older adults.  And since 2015 you’ve helped to bring fun, learning, and friendship through CitySites intergenerational programming. You’ve supported low-income older adults and helped them get online and connected through Digital Dividends. You’ve sponsored painting, drumming, dance, and other arts classes and fostered art-inspired conversations between neighbors in Creative Connections.  Your generosity helps older adults age in community and with equity by providing essential programs similar to what’s available in market-rate senior housing.

Because of caring people like you, our work is nationally recognized for connecting older people to each other and the larger world.  Read LBFE Boston’s most recent IMPACT report, here.

The US Surgeon General’s recent report on the lack of social connection tells us:

• 1 in 3 US adults aged 45+ feel lonely
• 26% & 29% increased risk for premature death and heart disease, respectively
• 32% & 50% increased risk of stroke and developing dementia, respectively
• Only 16% of Americans feel attached to their local community

Older adults are especially affected by the lack of social connectedness. Some of the factors that make 117,000 older Bostonians (age 60+) vulnerable to isolation and loneliness include:

Young and old alike who build social connections and networks can boost their lifespan by 50 percent, and report

1. An increased sense of purpose and well-being;
2. Sharing experiences and skills;
3. Feeling confident and appreciated, and
4. Gaining stronger communities by combatting stereotypes and ageism.