JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The days are counting down to Christmas, but for many people it may not be a joyful time of year, but people on the First Coast who work with older adults are helping them fight loneliness.
First Coast News stopped by a Jacksonville community center to speak with people at a "technology pop-up" run by Seniors on a Mission. Workers with the group help seniors learn how to use their smartphones, which many rely on for communication.
"What we do is not teaching technology, it's teaching people how to stay connected with their family and friends," said Howard McMinn with Seniors on a Mission.
This connection is more important than you might think. A report this year by the U.S. Surgeon General states: "Lacking social connection is as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day."
"It's certain things everybody needs to know about their phones," Emily Kitt said. "I'm learning it today."
Kitt received help with how to use the calendar on her smartphone. Learning how to work the phone's features is something she has to learn to communicate.
"I don't have a home phone," she said. "That's my means of talking to other people and stuff."
McMinn says many people want to learn how to do video calls so they can connect with their children and grandchildren. He says being able to communicate combats loneliness, something that can have physical health risks, studies show.
This is also the mission for Brian and Rita Sanders with Seniors Helping Seniors.
"I think contrary to popular belief, the holidays are one of the most depressive seasons for a lot of people," Brian Sanders said.
Like the name suggests, Seniors Helping Seniors alleviates loneliness during the holidays and year-round for the both the seniors giving and receiving the help.
"She didn't feel like she went to work," said Rita Sanders about one worker. "She had the best time."
The Jacksonville organizations are helping people connect and lean on each other this Christmas.
"It's gonna be a whole lot better," Kitt said. "Especially when I get my texts to go through."
Learn more about how to get involved with the organizations here: