Changing attitudes on social isolation

If you’re a recent arrival in Dutchess County from busier areas downstate, you may be puzzled to see this scenario: a pickup truck driven on a rural road by an older man slows down and stops, as the driver recognizes an old friend approaching in his own pickup coming in the opposite direction.

“How’s the fishing?”

“Not bad up my way. You?”

Or it’s two older women stopping to chat at the supermarket. They might not even know each other but they’re having a conversation because they recognize a kindred spirit. After a while they realize you’re trying to get past them to get a box of ziti, and they strike up a conversation with you as well.

What is all this idle chit-chat?

It’s not idle, we’re learning. These people have an instinct for the value of social connections.

At the Office for the Aging, we’re just starting to learn the value of social connectedness, even though seemingly mundane conversations about the weather. The isolation of those older people who couldn’t get to the grocery store or their fishing spot was seen as just an unfortunate byproduct of getting older. Can’t do anything about it, we may have assumed, incorrectly.

We can all help reduce social isolation and the negative health impacts that come with it. Regular readers know about OFA’s fast-growing “Friendly Calls” program that’s been connecting volunteer callers with Dutchess County older adults at risk of loneliness. As the program grows, we’ve invited Friendly Calls participants not only to receive calls, but to become volunteers themselves.

“Friendly Calls” is open to all prospective volunteers over age 18. If you’re just beginning to explore volunteering but don’t want to overcommit, “Friendly Calls” is ideal. The orientation takes less than an hour, and the once-a-week calls to participants last 20-30 minutes.

Every participant in the program has agreed to accept calls; and before a “Friendly Calls” session can begin, the volunteer and participant agree on what time and day of the week the calls will be made.

To find out more, visit www.dutchessny.gov/friendlycalls, email ledgar@dutchessny.gov, or call OFA at 845-486-2555.

Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, Todd N. Tancredi, director. Email him at ofa@dutchessny.gov.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less
North East winery stalls amid zoning review

John King stands at the site of his would-be winery and event space, which has stalled amid the Town’s years-long zoning review

Photo by Aly Morrissey

NORTH EAST — For John and Kristen King, moving to the countryside and raising their children on a vineyard was the ultimate dream. But after purchasing a 36-acre property in Millerton and trying to make their vision financially sustainable, that dream now hangs in the balance amid a years-long zoning review in a town that’s prioritizing a thorough process over expedition.

One family’s vision

Keep ReadingShow less