Isolation in older people has increased in recent years, and the problem has worsened with COVID-19 social distancing. Now, typical gathering places like senior centers aren’t holding in person events.  However, organizations like the CT Healthy Living Collective (CHLC) are stepping up to find ways to help create opportunities for engagement.

CHLC saw great success with one recent holiday event, the “It’s a Wonderful Life” holiday bash, which took place on December 18, 2020.  The livestream event featured holiday greetings and outstanding performances from celebrated Connecticut talent, including musical acts, dancing, storytelling, comedy, sing-a-longs, and more. 

Seventy senior centers participated, and a total of eight hundred and fifty seniors viewed the livestream. The comments on the event were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. One viewer said “[the bash] is the highlight of the season.” Another attendee said she “appreciates not being forgotten,” and most poignantly, one participant said, “This wonderful event gave me hope.”

CHLC has plans to continue working in partnership with local senior centers to offer virtual programming that can help older people feel part of their communities.