Making a 'Friendly Connection'

Greenwich, Conn. (WTNH) - 87-year-old Ruth Bachman has not been able to leave her Greenwich home in a year. In her prime, she commuted to a job in New York City and taught figure skating to kids. Now wheelchair bound, the outside world only comes to her, through Jennifer Krasnor.

"The phone will ring and it will be Jen on the other end -- 'Can I talk to you?' 'Yes. Glad to have a visitor.'

Jennifer is a volunteer with Friendly Connections, a program of Family Centers which offers support and wellness to people 50 and older in Fairfield County. She's been visiting Ruth once a week or so for three years now.

Jennifer says they "talk about what's going on with family or work. She offers an objective ear.

"It's a new friend, but more than that it's another family member."

The 15 year Friendly Connections program is branching out to now include and address the needs of the changing aging population of baby boomers. There are new teleconferences for seniors three to four times a day on a variety of topics. The courses are free.

"Folks can learn Spanish, Italian, music groups, bible study," said Rebecca Lippel, manager of Friendly Connections.

The facilitator will call the seniors, or they can call in themselves. It's a form of socialization which can be as important sometimes, as food and water.

"If you don't use it, you lose it," Lippel said. "They are very aware of the risk of Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss."

A friendly connection on the phone or in person can help keep the brain sharp no matter how old you are.

If you are over the age of 50 and are interested in taking a Friendly Connections free class call 203-661-8841 or visit familycenters.org .

News Channel 8's Kristen Cusato will be facilitating a call Friday A.M. about the news business.