GOODYEAR, Ariz. — More than a quarter of U.S. seniors live alone, according to the PEW Research Center. Loneliness has been linked to higher risks of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death, according to the National Institute on Aging.
The Goodyear Police Department wants to make sure all of their elderly residents have peace of mind and sense of security through a program called "You Are Not Alone," or YANA.
Seniors who do not have family around or just need someone to check in on them can register for the program and get frequent home visits and phone calls from the department. The YANA volunteers can even help seniors find resources or social services.
With the holidays approaching, seniors may be feeling extra isolated if they are without family nearby. The YANA program is hoping to help bring them some comfort.
The Goodyear Police Department also has an event coming up in December to bring seniors together.
The 2nd Annual YANA at Christmas Event will be help Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Refinery Christian Church, located at 16721 W. Indian School Road in Goodyear. The event will feature breakfast food and beverages, raffle prizes, special music, youth choir, Santa and a community guest speaker.
Each registered senior will receive a special holiday gift. Any questions can be directed to Rose Beals at 623-696-8545.
Up to speed
What is the Valley?
“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.
The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:
Mesa
Chandler
Scottsdale
Tempe
Glendale
Surprise
Peoria
Gilbert
El Mirage
Avondale
Litchfield Park
Goodyear
Buckeye
Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.
The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas.
