HiStory
Social isolation is a serious problem among older people in Europe, many older people feel lonely and have no possibility to talk about their lives. Storytelling can help people to make sense of their lives, connect them with their social environment and contribute to successful ageing. By sharing their stories, older people will feel connected and heard, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. They will be able to contribute to society and their cultural heritage through their own stories. Moreover, the stories benefit others consuming them, e.g. relatives that get to know better their beloved ones and their own heritage, pupils in history lessons, individual tourists strolling through an old town, museum visitors, or professional caregivers able to improve care through knowing the past of their clients. User experience research offers first insights regarding digital story sharing for older adults. This includes social connectedness and reciprocity, which is an innovative aspect of HiStory.