The Happiness Factory is a New York City-based 501(c)3 non profit organization which organizes live music concerts with children in nursing homes, assisted living residences and senior centers (and also in underserved communities).
In 2024 we organized 32 concerts thanks to our amazing group of volunteer young musicians, lighting up the lives of hundreds of seniors in NY.
At The Happiness Factory, we strongly believe in the power of music to enrich the lives of people suffering from loneliness.
Social isolation and loneliness are serious public health concerns. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact music has on older adults to reduce loneliness, perception of pain, helping with depression, improved heart rate and blood pressure, lowered anxiety and higher self-esteem, etc.. The list is long.
The world does not always care about our seniors of whom many deeply suffer from isolation.
Having children, and more particularly young musicians, around them provides them with the feeling of existing again, sparking a memory or simply bringing a smile.
We believe live music needs to be part of everyone’s health and social care.
But beyond that, foster intergenerational connection is mutually beneficial to people of all ages, and particularly to older adults.
The music played by children brings back seniors’ sweet memories, while imparting wisdom and love to the engaged musicians.
While playing music for seniors, the children do not only find a way to practice, perform, and gain confidence but also experience the power of improving one’s life; the seniors often clap, move their fingers, the head, the foot, or even stand up to dance or sing; this is an enchantment for young musicians to feel how their music move people.
These social connections are life affirming and often transformative.
Our Vision
We often live far from our parents and grand-parents; participating in The Happiness Factory allows us to help and establish links with elderly people locally and recreate intergenerational family connections.
We also foster a supportive community of participants and families in bringing the community together.
Our Impact
Over 130 young musicians
have already enlightened the lives of hundreds of NY seniors since 2022
Several concerts per month
are organized in different nursing homes or senior centers
More than 150 concerts
have been organized since we started six years ago
Over 60 nursing homes
have hosted our concerts
We are creating specific bonds with some nursing homes where we are returning regularly, at least 2 concerts per year in the same location.
During the pandemic and lockdown, we have created and sent over dozens of online concerts
and customized videos for birthday celebrations in many nursing homes.
The impact goes beyond the numbers, being present at a concert is enough to understand so.
Seniors’ often grim faces lighten up with smiles at the sound of music.
Others leave their rigidity behind to tap the rhythm on their wheelchairs, clap their hands. It isn’t rare to see seniors getting up, dancing and singing along, the most tangible proof of the impact the music has on them.
