Our Impact
CircleTalk outcomes have been measured in a variety of ways. Research often defines social isolation as situations where a person is missing feelings of belonging, engagement with others, and quality relationships. In a study conducted in 2019-2022, participants were asked to fill out an initial survey during the first group meeting, and then again, at the conclusion of the sessions.
The results point to the multifaceted benefits of sharing life experiences for aging adults in weekly group meetings. On average, the participants experienced:
- a significant reduction in feelings of isolation
- increased perception of well-being described as feeling a part of a community, feeling appreciated, having meaningful interactions with others, and feeling more energized.
Watch this video of CircleTalk Leaders and their experience learning new leader skills and facilitating CircleTalk programs!
Testimonials
“Many people feel isolated and have had a hard time getting to really know another person. At CircleTalk™, we feel seen for who we are and connected.” – Carolyn, Frasier Meadows
“This CircleTalk™ community has really enriched my life . . . my last chapter.” – Alma, Golden West “We did enter as strangers and leave as friends. You do really create a small community within a large community.” – Priscilla, Golden West Senior Living
“This was a chance for our memories and feelings to come up. It was great!” – Midge, Golden West
“(CircleTalk™) felt warm and comforting—like I belonged there.” – Bea, Golden West
“I have known many of my friends for 50 years and more. I feel like I know these people in the Circle better—and I just met them!” – Ruth, 85
Voice-impaired Frances had hardly ever said a word in the ten years that Judy had known her. “Except in this group. Here we can hardly get her to stop talking!” – Judy, 87
“Anytime that you can have an opportunity to get closer to people, it’s a good thing.” – Chauncey, Frasier Meadows
“For a lot of people the change of moving into a senior residence is difficult . . . you do everything as a group. To have CircleTalk™ come in and give an opportunity to really know a select group, one-on-one, is huge. It can be a make-or-break whether a person is satisfied living here.” – Jill Moore, Director of Residential Life, Golden West
“If you don’t already have something like CircleTalk™ in your facility, you should. To have a space where people can relate to one another on a personal level. That works!” – Jill Moore, Director of Residential Life, Golden West
“You see boredom and isolation in a senior residence . . . I wonder with our regular activities, do people really get to know each other? CircleTalk™ has a whole other dimension . . . learning about others and yourself, laughing, and even crying. (CircleTalk™) contributes to the overall happiness of people who live here.” – John Torres, Executive Director at Golden West
“Pioneer Network values remind us of the need to know each person, and that relationship is the fundamental building block of a transformed culture. As we work to transform the culture of aging, care, and support, we need to find more ways to help us grow relationships. To help facilitators and Elders become more comfortable in sharing with each other, and learning how to build strong social networks. CircleTalk™ helps to meet this vital need.” – Joan, Pioneer Network
“This course is a hands on blueprint for turning around the loneliness epidemic in the senior community. Bringing the program to any community will improve the mental health of the whole community. The curriculum is complete, relevant, and easy to follow. I am incorporating some of the steps in my Alzheimers support group.” – Michelle, Trained CircleTalk™ Leader
“Deep meaningful relationships are important for people to enjoy a greater sense of well-being in their lives. However, social isolation as people grow older can often leave them without those relationships. The CircleTalk Curriculum is a valuable tool to help older people create connections and a feeling of belonging and community. I highly recommend this course!” – Mel, Trained CircleTalk™ Leader
“I have been away from paid work for 17 years. This course was a beautiful soft entry to retraining (compared to Uni) and provided practical skills and support to start work straight away. My hesitancy was starting my own business, however the need is so great that I really need 4 of me to keep up with community demands. Many hundreds if not thousands of people will be so happy that you created this online possibility to enrich their lives.” – Suzanne in Australia, Trained CircleTalk™ Leader
“The one aspect of CircleTalk that most impacted me was seeing the involvement of men! Few social groups seem able to engage men deeply so they have less opportunity to break out of loneliness. CircleTalk found the key.” – Sivea, Trained CircleTalk™ Leader
“I noticed a huge change in mom’s attitude. At first I didn’t know what it was. Then mom started talking about the circle and how much she enjoyed talking to people. My daughter said, “We got grandma back!” – Mary, Mother of Doris at Golden West