Sharing stories, laughs at Atria Lynbrook

Senior living community Atria Lynbrook recently welcomed friends, family members and staff for “Better Together,” a story-sharing event that is part of an ongoing effort to create a wiser, more connected world.

“Better Together” is the first in a series of events that the Atria will host to celebrate the importance of storytelling as a means of human connection and interaction. Atria Lynbrook is one of nearly 200 senior living communities across the U.S. and Canada that will host similar events throughout the year.

The event series is inspired by Atria StoryWise, its latest intentionally crafted holiday (and everyday) gift for its residents and their families. Atria StoryWise is a collection of thoughtfully curated topics and cues designed to spark memories, tap into personal experiences and help people everywhere connect more deeply through the power of storytelling. The game is available as a boxed set of cards and an iPhone app, which is available for free at the online App Store. The app enables users to record, share and keep their stories. The event also doubles as a fundraiser to benefit the nation’s most prized story repositories — libraries.

“Storytelling is a simple and meaningful way to connect and pass wisdom from one generation to the next,” said Nathan Schafroth, engage life director at Atria Lynbrook. “So many of our residents and employees enjoyed Atria StoryWise with their families during the holiday season, and I’m really excited to launch a year’s worth of programs around Atria StoryWise.”

“After we played with residents Ruth Seltzer and Lorraine Miller, we brought the game home, and it was a hit!” said Mary Malloy of East Rockaway. “My grandsons loved playing with me. We learned a lot more about each other.“

Linda Bakal, also of East Rockaway, agreed. “We made two new friends that day with Ruth and Lorraine, she said. “We’ve even been back to Atria Lynbrook since then to have lunch with them — and share some more memories and laughs.”

Between Jan. 11 and 31, Atria will donate $1 to the American Library Association for every story shared through the wisdom library in the Atria StoryWise app. The association’s work is defined by eight key action areas, including education and lifelong learning — values shared by Atria Senior Living and incorporated into programs that are offered daily at each of its communities, including Lynbrook.

Participants can share stories of their own or just listen. They can last up to five minutes, and some will be shared with a broader audience via social media. The stories address one of a handful of topics: a favorite family tradition, a brilliant piece of advice, a way the storyteller is exactly like their parents, a childhood “partner-in-crime,” or ways the storyteller spent time with their own grandparents.

“It was a lot of fun,” Seltzer said. “We learned a lot about each other, and made new friends in the process.”

Miller said she had her own great stories to share, and that she enjoyed listening to the others. “Memories come flooding back when you play,” she said. “… It’s just great!”

Atria Lynbrook is at 100 Peninsula Blvd. For more information about StoryWise, contact Schafroth at (516) 596-2700 or email Nathan.schafroth@atriaseniorliving.com.