INDIANAPOLIS — Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana (MOWCI) and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have announced a pilot program to address social isolation, one of the most pressing challenges facing older adults.
Through the Friendly Visitor program, MOWCI volunteers connect with Anthem members through regular phone calls and in-person visits, offering companionship, conversation, and consistent check-ins that support overall well-being. Early implementation will focus on serving dozens of Anthem members, with future growth guided by program data and community feedback.
Social isolation among older adults continues to rise nationwide. According to Meals on Wheels America, one in three seniors report feeling lonely, a factor linked to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and other health concerns. For many individuals, the Meals on Wheels volunteer may be the only social interaction they experience in a day.
MOWCI is one of many local organizations addressing social isolation. Approximately 92 percent of local Meals on Wheels providers offer services beyond meals to reduce isolation, with 78 percent of participants reporting that regular visits help them feel safer in their homes.
Friendly Visitor program highlights include:
• Virtual and in-person connection, including home visits and phone calls
• Referrals to behavioral health, housing, and aging services
• Ongoing nutritional risk assessments and participant feedback surveys
• Tools to measure and track changes in social connection over time
To learn more, or to volunteer, visit www.mealsonwheelsindy.org.