Loneliness is more than a personal struggle; it’s a public health crisis which impacts young adults and older people particularly. It affects mental and physical health, and diminishes quality of life for those feeling isolated.
To combat this epidemic of loneliness, in 2019 Lily Zhou founded Life Story Club in New York. This nonprofit offers small-group storytelling circles where older adults – many homebound or isolated – share their lives through weekly themed conversations.
Whether in person, by phone or over Zoom, members laugh, cry, reflect and build lasting bonds. And it’s working: 82 percent of participants report feeling less lonely, 95 percent feel happier and supported and 100 percent report feeling a sense of community.
Some say it’s the first time they’ve felt heard in years.
Read more about the club: The Older Adults Conquering Loneliness Through Storytelling
Listen to some of the participants’ stories – in English, Chinese and Spanish – in their online library: Life Story Library | Life Story Club