The loneliest generation and the most isolated generation have exactly what the other needs.

LONELINESS COUNTER

75

What we're counting

FromBeyond.co exists to connect generations through the stories that make us who we are, so no one grows old unheard and no one grows up disconnected.

Two generations, one problem

20.9%

of 13 to 17 year olds report loneliness. Young people are the loneliest.

(WHO, 2025)

Up to 1 in 3

older adults are socially isolated

(WHO, 2025)

871,000+

deaths every year are linked to loneliness

(WHO, 2025)

The young feel most alone. The old are most cut off. The stories that could connect them are being lost.

Combating loneliness, bringing generations together

Alice Footer, founder of FromBeyond.co, with her grandad Stan
"Just ask someone older one question this week, and really listen to the answer."

Research keeps showing that people my age are some of the loneliest in the world. Honestly, that doesn't surprise me.

Older people are feeling it too. They've lived through so much and have the best stories, but most of the time no one asks to hear them.

It feels a bit crazy that the two groups struggling the most are the ones who could help each other the most. Whenever I sit down with someone older and really listen, I come away feeling happy. And they light up because someone cared enough to ask.

That's why this matters so much to me. You don't need a big plan. Just ask someone older one question this week, and really listen to the answer. It might mean more to both of you than you expect.

Alice

What each generation gives the other

What young people gain

  • Belonging
  • Perspective
  • Purpose
  • A sense of where they come from

What older people gain

  • Being heard
  • Feeling valued
  • Connection
  • Knowing their story will live on

Research shows intergenerational connection can reduce loneliness and exclusion for both older and younger people, while building mutual understanding.

Being heard is powerful

Research shows that sharing life stories and memories significantly reduces loneliness in older adults. When someone asks about your life and truly listens, you feel seen.

Recording a life story is exactly that: being asked, being heard and being remembered. FromBeyond.co puts that moment into every family's hands.

Gift a Story

Every story recorded brings generations together

Every story shared helps combat loneliness. Because everyone deserves to be heard, whether or not they have someone to ask.

The Loneliness Counter

What we're counting

Every number on the Loneliness Counter is a moment of connection. Each one represents people coming together to record a story, with their own family or with a Grandfriend.

A grandchild asking about first jobs and first loves. A young volunteer sitting with someone who hasn't been asked about their life in years. A family gathering to hear a voice they want to keep forever.

Every story recorded means someone was asked, someone was heard, and two generations spent time together.

We'll keep counting until no one grows old unheard.

Ask someone older one question this week

Connection starts small. This week, ask someone older one question about their life, then really listen.

Sources