May 4, 2025

'StoryRx' Initiative Prescribes Storytelling For Older Adults

In 2023, an urgent advisory about the loneliness epidemic, released by the U.S. Surgeon General, directed the American Medical Association to collaborate with organizations on educational programs and resources to increase social support for patients.

One of these collaborations resulted in Life Story Club, a New York-based nonprofit that brings people together virtually every week to share their life stories as prompted by questions like "What was the greatest historical event you lived through". Participants can join voluntarily or be connected through referrals from healthcare teams serving older adults experiencing social isolation.

This innovative nonprofit has grown to include 120 clubs reaching more than 1,200 people over the age of 60 - with 92% saying they feel a sense of community. Read the full story here.