Depression and isolation are two of the leading mental illnesses for senior citizens. The Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas is trying to reduce those problems.

The Senior Companions program matches one person 55 and older with a senior citizen.

Pat and Yvonne are paired in the Senior Companions program. "We've been getting along real good," says Yvonne.

Yvonne comes to Pat's home every morning. For Pat, just knowing Yvonne is there means a lot.

"It means that I can just relax and I don't have to worry about being here by myself," Pat says.

Several years ago, Pat didn't feel well. Yvonne was there to take her to the hopsital Pat was having a heart attack.

"I said I'll be all right but she stayed there with me all day long," Pat says.

The Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas says isolation takes a toll on quality of life and longevity.

"The isolation that we face from aging is roughly equivalent of smoking 10 cigarettes a day," says Eric Litwiller, Director of Development and Communications.

Senior Companions is grant funded. Companions are paid an hourly stipend and reimbursed for expenses for activites like food or movie theater tickets.

The program is free, but for Pat, it's priceless.

"Everybody thinks 'I don't have the money.' It's not about money. It's about what we can do for you and show our love to you and in return you have love to show back," Yvonne says.

The Mental Health Association will have a booth at the Senior Expo at Bontanica Thursday, September 26. This year's Senior Expo has three locations at Botanica, The Advanced Learning Library and the Wichita Art Museum. The Expo is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.