Friendship Line

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or depressed? Give the Friendship Line a call – because sometimes we all need a friend.

888.670.1360

The Friendship Line is California’s largest warm line, and has never gone unanswered since it was founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore. Dr. Arbore’s observation that “connection to others binds us to life” led him to establish the Friendship Line, which provides phone calls that offer emotional support and friendly conversation.

Institute on Aging’s staff and volunteers respond to more than 11,000 inbound and outbound calls per month. The nationally-known Friendship Line is a signature program of Institute on Aging’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, and is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Call us Toll-Free in California: 888.670.1360

For Volunteer or Intern Opportunities, contact Aleks Bartlett at abartlett@ioaging.org

This program serving the community is funded by the following:

  • The California Department of Aging

  • City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services

Program Services

Friendship Line

  • Emotional support in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean
  • Specialized support for adults ages 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers

Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services

  • Virtual grief and bereavement support groups

Related Resources

🎨 Solo Exhibition: Bob Sockolov at @caldwellsnydergallery

We’re proud to share that Bob Sockolov, Institute on Aging’s Honorary Lifetime Director, will be featured in a solo exhibition from June 13–16 at Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco.

📍 341 Sutter Street, San Francisco
🗓️ Reception: Saturday, June 14 | 4–6 PM

Bob’s work—deeply inspired by the Bay Area’s scenery and skyline—has evolved over decades of self-taught experimentation. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into his perspective on the city and its transformation.

🧡 All proceeds from artwork sales will benefit Institute on Aging, supporting older adults and caregivers in our community.

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Learn more—link in bio.

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Emerging research suggests that the hormonal shifts during menopause may influence a woman’s risk for Alzheimer’s later in life.

In our latest blog, we break down the science behind this connection—and share what women can do now to protect their cognitive health during and after midlife.

💡 Knowledge is power. Start the conversation today.

Read more by clicking the link in our bio! 

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