Los Angeles is rapidly becoming a city of seniors, with a quarter of its population expected to be 60 or older by 2031, according to the L.A. Times. This demographic shift, driven by declining birth rates, reduced immigration, and unaffordable housing, presents significant challenges for city infrastructure and the well-being of its diverse communities

Volunteering at Kaiser Permanente’s Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month Health and Wellness Fair in September 2024 gave me a firsthand look at these issues, particularly the struggles seniors face both economically and in maintaining meaningful connections that could eventually aid them within their healthcare system. It led me to consider how we, as a community, can collaboratively address these challenges while fostering stronger connections across generations.

In a 2023 Steve Lopez L.A. Times column on aging in the Golden State, getting older is “an epidemic” second only to climate change.

A report by the California Commission on Aging, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Women’s Law Center found that a significant portion of the aging population will live below the federal poverty level, with women — particularly women of color — predominantly affected. According to Justice In Aging, currently, a staggering 40% of seniors spend half their income on rent, and there was a 166% increase in seniors 65 and older receiving homelessness services. 

These statistics highlight the growing vulnerability of seniors in California. Nevertheless, another significant challenge is emerging, even for financially secure seniors: the rising prevalence of depression and loneliness.

The L.A. Times investigated another issue facing our aging population in 2023: loneliness, a public health crisis damaging as smoking and obesity: “Nearly half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness in recent years.”

Loneliness increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and dementia by 50%. Chronic loneliness can lead to physiological changes like inflammation, which contribute to serious illnesses.

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy called for a national strategy to address this crisis. As the aging population continues to grow, addressing loneliness is crucial for both overall public health and the well-being of our communities. Additionally, in 2023 a poll was reported with results stating that 37% of the United States older adults, within 50 to 80 years old, experience a lack of companionship. Within the increasing reports of loneliness, there is a need for volunteering and communicating with the elderly.

Volunteering with seniors offers a simple yet transformative solution to this crisis. Engaging in acts like having conversations, offering companionship, or assisting with daily tasks fosters connection and helps seniors maintain their independence. It also provides immediate emotional support while connecting them with vital resources.

At my local retirement home, I lead activities like Bingo calling. I ensure that everyone is included, taking extra care to accommodate those with hearing or vision challenges. Through these interactions, I’ve learned that every senior has a unique story — and that even small gestures of care can make a significant difference.

Addressing the challenges of aging requires both policy-level changes and grassroots efforts. Each of us can play in fostering connections across generations.

Volunteering is more than an act of kindness; it’s a vital step toward addressing the systemic challenges our aging population faces. By dedicating our time to engage with seniors, we not only combat loneliness and improve well-being but also strengthen our communities as a whole. Together, we can ensure that aging Angelenos not only survive but thrive.