Senior Center to Launch Program to Combat Loneliness

Grant Funding from Florida Blue Foundation to be used for New UPSLIDE Program

January 19, 2018

Thanks to a $221,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation, the Tallahassee Senior Center will soon implement a new program, called UPSLIDE, designed to help prevent isolation and depression among the senior population.

"As the Capital City, Tallahassee is leading the state in developing ways to support our seniors," City Commissioner Gil Ziffer said. "This generous grant will enable us to move forward with yet another program designed to address some of the challenges faced by our community's aging population."

UPSLIDE stands for Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in the Elderly. This three-year program will help identify individuals age 50 and older who may be socially isolated. Preventive health and wellness tips will be presented through outreach visits, counseling and support-style chat groups. The Tallahassee Senior Center will partner with other mental health and social services agencies and organizations in the community to help strengthen the safety net serving these at-risk adults.

"Research indicates that social isolation and loneliness are linked with increased depression, dementia, falls and emergency visits," Tallahassee Senior Center's Health and Wellness Coordinator Ruth Nickens said. "This project will serve as a non-threatening gateway for people to become socially engaged and connected to other people. Participants will be encouraged to attend a Senior Center program or other positive social outlets."

The UPSLIDE program is set to launch in April.

The mission of Tallahassee Senior Center is to offer programs, activities and opportunities designed to encourage active living, optimal aging and social fitness for independent adults. The Tallahassee Senior Center is located at 1400 N. Monroe Street and is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department. For more information on its wide variety of programs, classes and events, please call 891-4000 or visit the City's website at Talgov.com/seniors. You can also stay up-to-date by liking the Senior Center on Facebook.