Social Prescribing Storytelling for Seniors: Why the Upcoming Seniors' Event in Selkirk is a Public Health Intervention

The past few years have shed a stark light on a quiet, yet urgent, crisis facing our communities: loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older adults. In an advisory, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted that chronic loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking and is linked to a significantly increased risk of serious conditions like dementia and cardiovascular disease. Closer to home, a recent study shows that almost one in five Canadian seniors (19%) reported feeling lonely. This issue was made even more urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the rate of loneliness increased by a staggering 67% for women aged 65 to 74.

In response to this growing public health challenge, a new and exciting model of care is emerging, one that goes far beyond traditional medicine. It is called social prescribing.

What Is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is a holistic approach to health that recognizes that our well-being is not just about our physical body but is determined primarily by our social, economic, and environmental circumstances. Instead of writing a prescription for medication, a healthcare provider can refer a patient to a range of local, non-clinical services that address the root causes of their health concerns, such as loneliness, debt, or a lack of social connection.

This global movement, formally adopted by major health systems like England's NHS and endorsed by the World Health Organization, is rapidly gaining ground in Canada. Right here in Manitoba, the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities (MASC) is leading the charge, connecting seniors to community resources through social prescribing initiatives. A report by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing even found that every dollar invested in social prescribing can return $4.43 to society by improving well-being and reducing the burden on our health system.

Why Storytelling is the Ultimate Social Prescription

Within this powerful new model, storytelling stands out as a uniquely effective and accessible intervention. It is a form of arts-based social prescribing that directly combats loneliness and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. Storytelling is more than just reminiscing; it is a profound act with tangible benefits.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of lived experience storytelling is its accessibility. It requires no special equipment, making it a low-cost, high-impact tool that is available to everyone, regardless of their financial or physical situation. The format is inherently flexible, with sessions taking place in person, over the phone, or on video calls, ensuring that geographical barriers do not prevent connection.

Consider the Life Story Club, a nonprofit that runs a formal social prescribing program called "StoryRx" in partnership with hospital systems to address loneliness. A recent report from their work shows the immense power of this approach: 82% of participants reported feeling less lonely, while 92% felt a greater sense of community.

For seniors, storytelling is especially powerful. The act of sharing life stories helps process life's transitions, combats depression, and provides a renewed sense of purpose and legacy. It is also a form of reminiscence therapy that enhances memory and keeps the mind sharp. As one participant in a storytelling circle said, “Waiting every week for Friday keeps me alive,” a moving testament to the life-giving power of shared stories. 

In a storytelling circle, you don't just share a story—you reclaim it. By giving voice to your lived experiences, you can transform "problem stories" into stories of resilience and hope, affirming your sense of self and the value of your journey.

Social Prescribing Storytelling for Seniors: A New Chapter for Manitoba

At StoryBridge, we believe that storytelling is a pathway to healing, identity, and transformation. Our mission is to build belonging and amplify underrepresented voices, especially those of seniors, newcomers, and displaced persons.

We are excited to share that we are part of a working group with the Life Story Club to figure out how we can bring a series of ongoing social prescription storytelling sessions to folks across Manitoba. This partnership will allow us to leverage a proven, virtual model to reach seniors in both our urban and rural communities, ensuring that geographical distance is no longer a barrier to connection.

The upcoming Seniors' Storytelling Circle is a tangible first step in bringing this vision of social prescribing storytelling for seniors to life. It is an opportunity for seniors in Selkirk to experience a powerful, evidence-based intervention that can directly improve their health and well-being. It is a chance to not just hear a story, but to become part of one.

Join the Circle: A Call to Action

The power of social prescribing storytelling is clear, and you can be a part of this movement.

• For Seniors: Come and share your story. The Seniors' Storytelling Circle in Selkirk is a safe and welcoming space for you to connect with others, share your experiences, and rediscover a sense of community. Sign up for the event and begin your journey toward a more connected life.

• For Partners and Sponsors: Our work is not possible without the support of organizations and businesses that believe in the power of community. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of seniors in Manitoba. Partner with us, donate, or sponsor an outreach event today to help us continue this vital work.

• For the Community: The StoryBridge Network is an all-hands-on-deck effort. To support our mission, you can make a donation to help us continue building bridges of connection across Manitoba and beyond.

Together, through the simple, profound act of sharing stories, we can build a healthier, more compassionate, and more connected world.

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About the Author

Dr. Patlee Creary is a mindfulness facilitator, conflict transformation specialist, educator, resilience coach, mental health advocate, and mother to two feisty girls and one chill cat named Franklin. She’s also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The StoryBridge Network. Drawing on her diverse experiences—from military service to peacebuilding, academia to entrepreneurship—Patlee helps individuals and communities navigate life’s complexities with clarity, compassion, and courage. An accomplished author and avid blogger, Patlee explores themes of mental health, resilience, community building, identity, and memory through visual and oral storytelling. She spends most of her spare time writing, reading, cuddling with her cat, and chatting with her plants.