Reading to Reconnect
Life, mindset, and emotional wellness coaching to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.
Program Overview
Reading to Connect is an intergenerational literacy and companionship program that brings youth and seniors together through reading. In this initiative, young volunteers visit seniors in care homes, retirement communities, or senior centers to read aloud books, poems, or personal stories. Sessions can be one-on-one or in small groups. When onsite visits are not possible, virtual reading sessions are also possible.
The program offers meaningful benefits for both age groups: seniors enjoy companionship, mental stimulation, and the soothing experience of being read to, while youth develop empathy, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for older generations. For seniors with visual impairments, memory loss, or limited mobility, listening to stories read aloud can be comforting, therapeutic, and emotionally enriching.
Reading to Connect strengthens community bonds, reduces loneliness, and fosters mutual respect and understanding across generations.
Impact and Outcomes
Emotional Comfort and Companionship – Being read to offers seniors a sense of connection and companionship. The presence of a caring reader creates a comforting atmosphere and can boost mood, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional well-being.
Cognitive Stimulation – Listening to stories or information helps keep the mind active. It can support memory recall, language processing, and focus, which is especially important for seniors with cognitive decline, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. It can also introduce new ideas and spark meaningful conversations.
Accessibility and Inclusion – For seniors with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or physical limitations, being read to allows continued access to books, news, and literature. It helps them stay informed, entertained, and mentally engaged despite physical challenges.
Receiving a card can give them something to look forward to and a reason to stay emotionally engaged with others.
Routine and Enrichment – Regular reading sessions offer structure and something to look forward to. They enrich daily life by providing a stimulating, enjoyable activity that supports emotional and intellectual engagement.
Project Steps
If you would like to participate in the reading program, please send us an email and we will work with you to help you set up the program in your region, including providing reading materials.