You are invited!
DOROT, the Upper Westside nonprofit that provides programs and services to help older adults stay social connected and engaged, is hosting a special screening of a powerful new documentary entitled All The Lonely People on Wednesday evening, October 19.
Free and open to the public, the screening will be held from 6-8 pm at B’nai Jeshurun, 257 W. 88th Street. A facilitated Q&A with the film’s producers and local officials and a forum for community discussion on implementing strategies to combat social isolation will follow the screening.
“This important film brings to light the global public health crisis that is social isolation and loneliness,” said Mark L. Meridy, DOROT Executive Director. “It is a candid and honest portrayal of how people of all ages are grappling with life in a world where it can be challenging to stay engaged and connected.”
All The Lonely People examines this epidemic on a deeply personal level. It follows a handful of people from different walks of life as they overcome social isolation and chronic loneliness. New York City residents Ari Rossen and Tony Westbrook share their stories, as well as people like Mary Hill, an 89-year old caregiver who faces isolation in the rural countryside of England.
The screening is a part of a statewide tour organized by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and Aging New York. Screenings will be held throughout the state. DOROT’s Upper West Side event is the only one to be held in New York City this fall.
In 2017, the U.S. Surgeon General declared social isolation to be a “global epidemic,” – one that has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic – and that has devastating health consequences. It is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and greatly increases the chances of heart disease and early onset dementia.
“Social isolation and loneliness profoundly affects older adults,” added Ali Hodin-Baier, Chief Program Officer at DOROT. “That’s why our work at DOROT is so critical. This screening is both an opportunity to learn more about this pressing public health issue and to learn about the community resources at hand to assist older neighbors who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness.”
RSVP Required. Please contact Alexa Uttamsingh at auttamsingh@dorotusa.org or (917) 441-5045.
