The prevalence and severity of loneliness is described by many as an unrecognized public health problem. There is now substantial evidence that being socially connected significantly reduces the risk for premature mortality and that lacking social connectedness significantly increases this risk. Some voices call today’s social isolation “a potent killer.”

Isolation, loneliness, and a lack of social connections mark the lives of millions of older adults.

The Senior Inclusion and Participation Project, SIPP, is an innovative, community-based project that raises awareness of the loneliness experienced by many of today’s elders and reduces the impact social isolation has on their health and psychological well-being.

SIPP’s mission is to lessen isolation among older adults by promoting social networks and intergenerational connections.

Under the umbrella of the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence and Los Altos Community Foundation, SIPP works with local faith communities, Los Altos Block Action Team leaders, MV/Los Altos Community Services Agency and the San Francisco State University Graduate Gerontology Department.