When Deb retired from the insurance industry in 2013, she began serving as a board member for several Greater Hartford nonprofit boards. Around that time, she watched a family member struggle deeply with loneliness as his social circle shrank with age. Seeing him go through such a difficult period prompted her to dig into the research, and she found a vast body of overwhelming evidence linking loneliness to serious mental and physical health risks. She looked for a nonprofit that was actively addressing this growing public health crisis in Connecticut and was surprised to find none. After a period of soul-searching, she decided to take action and, in 2019, with the support of long-time friend, founded For All Ages, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting the generations and inspiring action to end loneliness, reduce ageism and improve mental, physical and social health. To date, their intergenerational programs and social health education initiatives have touched more than 38,000 lives – and they’re just getting started!
For All Ages also convenes The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness, a statewide alliance to foster social connection for Connecticut’s residents. Deb shares that she’s “learned that loneliness is part of the human experience and that none of us are immune to it. As human beings, we are wired for connection; it’s as essential to our well-being as food and water.” She says that loneliness arises when the quality or quantity of our social connections doesn’t meet our needs, whether for a moment or over time.
“What’s inspired me most is realizing that we have the power to change that. By taking small, intentional steps — like reaching out, asking how someone’s really doing and truly listening — we can not only transform someone else’s day, but also strengthen our own sense of belonging. That awareness has changed how I live my life, by making connection a daily practice, not just a value.”
One of For All Ages’ most powerful and impactful stories happened at an adult living community during an intergenerational art program. A woman who had been grieving the loss of her spouse – and self-isolating for months – heard laughter coming from the common room. Children and residents were painting together, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. She quietly opened her door, stepped out of her room and sat down nearby. When she was invited to join in the fun, she gently declined, saying she just wanted to watch.
The next morning, the Executive Director of the community called and said, “You will not believe the impact your program had on one of our residents. We’ve been leaving meals at her door for months – she wouldn’t open it for anyone. But this morning, she came to breakfast for the first time in ages. She joined us at lunch too. Her whole demeanor has shifted. She told me, ‘Grief will always be with me, but now I see what I’ve been missing and that it’s time to start moving forward.’”
That moment reminded Deb of the quiet power of intergenerational connection. It also reinforced a lesson she carries daily: we rarely know what burdens others are carrying, and a little kindness and connection can truly change a life. She shares that human connection is essential to our health and well-being. Yet loneliness is quietly fueling a wide range of serious health and social issues, including heart disease, stroke risk, type 2 diabetes and dementia, as well as rising rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, domestic violence and gun violence. This growing public health crisis touches people of all ages and walks of life, often in ways we don’t immediately see.
“Each of us has a role to play. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbor, sharing a meal or simply listening with intention, small acts of connection can change lives. And beyond what we do individually, it is vital that we advance and back programs and initiatives that strengthen human connection – across generations, in healthcare settings, in workplaces and throughout our communities. Doing this will not only support individual well-being, it will also help build a healthier, safer and more resilient future for all of us.”
Giving back to her community has always been important to Deb. It’s a role that not only draws on what she has done in the past, but also continually challenges her to grow – especially through the incredible people she has the privilege to learn from every day.
Deb lives in Simsbury with her husband, whom she met more than 40 years ago at UConn. They both love being outside and enjoy exploring local trails with their spirited rescue pup, Bailey, leading the way. When she’s not leading For All Ages, she finds peace in nature, balance through yoga and a lot of pride in watching her daughter pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at UConn.