The Minnesota Senior Study, the first statewide survey of the elderly in nearly 20 years, was based on a telephone survey with a statewide sample of 1,500 non-institutionalized Minnesotans age 60 and older. Substantial numbers of Minnesotans age 60-plus were found to have low social contacts. Five percent, or about 33,000 older Minnesotans, fell into the "isolation" pattern. They saw both family and friends no more than monthly. All together, 30 percent, or about 200,000 older persons in Minnesota were either isolated or had low contact with friends and family. "Isolated" elderly, compared to older persons with more active social networks, were far more likely to lack a confidant, to have no one to help in an emergency, and to have no long-term caregiver available. The fact that large numbers of older Minnesotans had limited contact with both family and peers provides a strong case for continued, if not increased, funding for programs that facilitate social involvement with others, such as congregate dining, senior centers, and special programs for seniors through churches and other organizations. (Author/LLL)