A curated, verified list of national organisations, programmes and helplines for older adults in the US. Every entry has been checked and includes a direct link or phone number.
These are real organisations with real people behind them, not a generated list of names. We've grouped them by the kind of help they offer, and included a plain-language description of each so you can decide whether it's right for you before you call or click.
Programmes and tools designed to reduce social isolation and help older adults find genuine connection — whether through befriending, volunteer visits, or finding local activities.
An AARP Foundation tool that helps you understand your risk for social isolation and find local programmes to address it. You answer a short set of questions about your living situation and social life, and it points you toward specific resources in your area — activities, befriending services, transport, and more.
A federally funded programme that matches older adult volunteers with seniors who benefit from a friendly, regular visitor. Companions help with light tasks, offer companionship, and provide respite for family caregivers. Available through local organisations nationwide — the Eldercare Locator can help you find your nearest programme.
An intergenerational programme that pairs older adults with younger people for regular weekly video calls. The match is based on shared interests — not just age — so conversations tend to be genuinely enjoyable rather than obligatory. One of the better-evidenced one-to-one virtual befriending programmes currently operating in the US.
A US government service run by the Administration for Community Living. Search by ZIP code to find local programmes for meals, transport, home care, activities, and companionship near you. If you're not sure where to start, this is often the best first call — advisors can connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging, which knows what's available in your specific community.
AARP runs free in-person and virtual events across the country — social gatherings, classes, interest groups, and more. Their recent loneliness research found that 4 in 10 adults over 45 feel lonely; these events are one of their practical responses. A good starting point if you want structured social activity rather than one-to-one conversation.
Helplines, listening services, and support organisations for older adults managing anxiety, depression, grief, or bereavement. Several of these operate 24 hours a day.
The only accredited 24-hour emotional support line in the US specifically for older adults, seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities. It's not a crisis line in the narrow sense — you don't need to be at a breaking point to call. Staff are trained to listen, talk through grief and loneliness, and connect callers with follow-up support. They will also make outbound calls to seniors who want regular check-ins.
Dial or text 988 to reach a trained counsellor any time of day or night. While this line covers all mental health crises, it is also available for grief, severe depression, or anyone who simply needs to talk and feels they have nowhere else to turn. Older adults who are grieving or isolated and finding it increasingly hard to cope are exactly the right callers for this line.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's helpline offers free, confidential referrals to mental health and grief counselling services in your area. It doesn't provide counselling itself, but it's staffed around the clock and is often the fastest way to find a local therapist or support group that's right for you.
If calling feels like too much, texting can be easier. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained volunteer crisis counsellor. Available for grief, anxiety, loneliness, or any emotional distress. The text format is helpful for seniors who struggle with hearing on the phone.
The NCOA provides extensive resources on mental health in later life — covering depression, anxiety, grief, and how these interact with physical health conditions. Their BenefitsCheckUp tool also helps seniors find local mental health services they may be eligible for at low or no cost.
Resources for staying physically active, managing chronic conditions, finding transportation, and maintaining independence at home.
The same Eldercare Locator that connects you to companionship programmes is also the best starting point for finding local transport options — volunteer drivers, senior shuttle services, paratransit for mobility needs, and rides to medical appointments. Search by ZIP code online or call the number below.
A national online database of transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities. You enter your ZIP code, state, or county to find nearby options — including free services and wheelchair-accessible rides. Particularly useful in rural areas where options aren't obvious. Also available by phone.
Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults over 65. The National Council on Aging's falls prevention resources include an online risk assessment, evidence-based exercise programmes, and a directory of local classes designed to improve balance and strength. Some programmes are covered by Medicare.
A free tool from the National Council on Aging that helps seniors find benefits they may be eligible for but haven't claimed — including help with prescription drug costs, utility bills, food, health care, and in-home support. About half of eligible older adults don't claim the benefits they're entitled to. Worth checking even if you're comfortable financially.
The national network behind local meal delivery programmes for older adults. Beyond nutrition, volunteer drivers provide regular social contact and welfare checks — one of the few programmes where someone reliably shows up at the door. Local eligibility and costs vary; use the website to find your nearest programme.
Free training, support and communities for older adults who want to use technology more confidently — to stay in touch with family, access telehealth, or simply feel less left behind.
Probably the largest free technology education programme for older adults in the US. Senior Planet offers live virtual classes every week on everything from video calling and online banking to meditation apps and social media — all taught by patient instructors at a comfortable pace. They also run an ad-free online community just for people over 60, and operate physical centres in New York, Denver, Miami, and several partner locations. If you want help getting started with Zoom or FaceTime before your first A Chapter Together session, this is an excellent place to start.
A Philadelphia-based nonprofit that specialises in making digital technology accessible to older adults who have little or no experience with it. They offer free online tutorials for smartphones and tablets, step-by-step guides to video calling and telehealth, and a family coaching kit to help relatives support older adults with technology at home.
Easily overlooked but worth mentioning: most US public libraries now offer free one-to-one technology help sessions, device lending, and digital literacy classes. Staff are typically patient, appointments are free, and you can bring your own device. Call your nearest branch to ask what they offer for older adults — many have programmes specifically designed for seniors who are just getting started.
This directory covers US resources and is reviewed periodically. Resources, phone numbers and programmes do change — if you find an out-of-date entry, please let us know at hello@achaptertogether.org. UK resources will be added in a future update.
Every resource above is valuable, but sometimes what a person really needs is someone who shows up every week, remembers where you left off, and genuinely looks forward to your visit. That's what A Chapter Together is here for.
No commitment, no credit card — just a gentle place to begin.