Connecting Seniors Living Alone with Trained Student Companions Across Georgia
The Silver Buddy Program matches seniors living independently across Georgia with trained, background-checked student companions who visit regularly, bringing genuine human presence to seniors who need it most.
LET'S TACKLE THE LONELINESS & ISOLATION EPIDEMIC
16M+
SENIORS LIVING ALONE IN THE U.S. (KFF) About 1 in 3 adults feel lonely and isolated (AARP & Michigan Medicine)
1 VISIT
CAN BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF AN ENTIRE WEEK
28%
CURRENT % OF ADULTS 65+ LIVING ALONE COMPARED TO 1 IN 10 ADULTS IN THE 1950S (KFF Health News)
How the Silver Buddy Program Works
From enrollment to first visit, we handle matching, training, and coordination so seniors and students can focus on what matters: showing up for each other.
Simple by Design
01- SENIOR ENROLLMENT
You or a family member contacts us directly. We ask a few simple questions about interests, schedule, and what you are looking for in a companion.
02 - SMART MATCHING
Our coordinator pairs each senior with a student buddy (or buddies) based on proximity and share interest - not just availability.
03 - BUDDY TRAINING
Every student buddy completes onboarding: reviewing program rules and expectations, safety, conversation starters, and background clearance before their first visit.
04 - REGULAR VISITS
Student buddies aim to visit 1 hour per week for genuine connection, conversation, games, current events, music, stories, or simply being present.
YOU DESERVE A SILVER BUDDY
We serve seniors living independently across Georgia who could benefit from consistent, caring human presence - wherever they call home.
WE CARE ABOUT YOU
Regular visits give you something to look forward to - and someone who genuinely cares about how you are doing.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our initiatives not only benefit participants but also positively impact the wider community, promoting inclusivity and understanding across generations.
GROWTH THROUGH CONNECTION
By unlocking the potential in intergenerational relationships, we help both seniors and students grow, encouraging empathy and respect that will last a lifetime.
LASTING IMPACT
Our goal is to create a lasting impact in the lives of seniors and students alike, instilling values of compassion, friendship, and community that will resonate for years to come.
WHO WE SERVE
Home-Based Seniors
Older adults living independently at your home or community with limited daily contact. A Silver Buddy brings consistent human presence to you.
Assisted Living Communities
Residents who want connection beyond group programing. Your buddy visits you personally, not just the community.
Senior Centers
Members who would benefit from a personal buddy, someone who knows your name, your stories, and looks forward to seeing you.
Log verified hours for academic programs, honor societies, and graduate school applications.
Field Experience Hours
Engagement that no classroom can replicate; empathy, communication, and community.
Meaningful Engagement
A coordination reference and a compelling story that sets you apart in any application or interview.
Resume & Interview Edge
ABOUT SILVER BUDDY PROGRAM
We are a Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to reduce social isolation and loneliness among seniors living independently.
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We connect older adults across Georgia with trained, background-checked student companions who provide consistent human presence; through conversation, shared activities, and compassionate observation.
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Our student buddies come from theology, public health, gerontology, psychology, social work, and all other fields.
