I direct the Senior Companion Program*, a program funded by the Corporation for National Service, a federal agency that works with millions of people. For 36 years I have heard all kinds of stories of how senior citizens have benefited from the program.

One 84-year old told me, “When my husband died four years ago, I got depressed and wanted to leave this world as well. Now, after one year in the program I am no longer depressed, no longer on medication and do not need to see a psychologist.” Another woman in the program told me, “When my husband died at age 61, I no longer had his income to count on. Those years were difficult—until I heard about the Senior Companion Program, through which I was able to have money to eat, pay my bills and no longer feel alone.”

*The Senior Companion Program pairs seniors with volunteer companions to help them overcome difficulties and remain independent as they age.

Data sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2007 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” 2009 American Community Survey (accessed May 2011). Data came from the following tables: Statewide poverty percentages, GCT1701, Ratio of income to poverty level, C17002
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2007 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• Half in Ten analysis of Table 1, 2009 State Expenditure Report, National Association of State Budget Officers.
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2007 through 2008.
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2009 through 2010.