Because books connect us to life, and because we can bring happiness to the elderly through reading. A subject close to my heart. Every donation, no matter how small, counts.

reading sessions for frail elderly people

reading session with a frail elderly person

Bringing happiness to isolated elderly people through reading

Lire et Sourire

of plant caregivers report an increase in well-being

establishments in France that host readings

Geneviève

<div>As the year draws to a close, Lire et Sourire counts more than 1,025 seniors regularly benefiting from read-aloud sessions. Each beneficiary enjoys around twenty sessions a year, representing over 20,500 cumulative participations. In this way, the association pursues its mission of breaking the isolation of the elderly through shared reading and regular human encounters.</div><br><div>Throughout the year, volunteers take part in establishments for the elderly, offering readings adapted to the tastes and needs of each individual. Trained and supported by the association, they provide a regular presence - from once a month to once a week - helping to create lasting links and stimulate exchange as well as intellectual activity.</div><br><div>Lire et Sourire brings together nearly 300 volunteer readers and as many partner establishments, 136 to date. Their commitment, combined with the support of professionals in the establishments, forms the beating heart of the association and guarantees the continuity of the readings and their impact.</div><br><div>Thanks to interventions carried out over time, each elderly person benefits from 20 to 30 hours of reading per year. Studies relayed by the WHO confirm the beneficial effects of regular reading on well-being, cognition and the quality of social interactions, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness.</div><br><div>Lire et Sourire continues to expand its action: in October, 13 new establishments joined the program, enabling us to reach even more seniors.</div>

With over 1,000 regular beneficiaries, Lire et Sourire continues to grow

<div>Summer has sounded the hour for a first assessment for <strong>Lire et Sourire</strong>, and the results testify to a fine show of solidarity: our volunteers have already provided <strong>1,376 hours of reading aloud in retirement homes</strong> to the elderly. Adding preparation and training time, the total comes to 3,716 hours of<strong>volunteer work</strong> performed in the first half of the year.<br><br>
</div><div>Today, <strong>Lire et Sourire</strong> works in <strong>126 retirement homes</strong>, thanks to the commitment of <strong>250 volunteers</strong>. Each reading session is a moment of sharing that brings residents:</div>+ escape thanks to the stories,+ comfort through the voice and caring presence,+ and above all a precious human bond, which helps break the isolation.<div><br></div><div>And this is just the beginning! Starting in September, <strong>new readings in retirement homes</strong> will get underway in <strong>Ain</strong>, <strong>Seine-et-Marne</strong>, <strong>Lyon</strong>, <strong>Douai</strong> and <strong>Annecy</strong>. The association thus continues to expand its network and bring the magic of words to more seniors.</div><div><br></div>

1000 reads for 1000 smiles

Bringing happiness to isolated elderly people through reading

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