Well, just sitting and listening to them is usually the best, she said, or helping them write letters or taking them out. For many elderly in a rural county like Rockbridge, loneliness and depression go hand in hand. Coping with loneliness and isolation in a place like Buena Vista can be difficult. Probably the greatest contact is their family doctor, Jahsman said. Doctors need to be on the look out for depression.
Education is also important, increasing awareness of depression.
Hopefully this support group will be something that can help people, she said. For elderly people with few resources, support systems can be very important. There are usually only two main places where they can get that support. Family and church are the main support systems for most of the elderly, Rudkin said. Religion is extremely important for many senior citizens.