Through YPCares, choristers from the Young People’s Chorus of New York City bring music, conversation, and connection to nursing homes and assisted living communities across New York City. These visits create meaningful shared experiences that uplift residents, foster empathy in young singers, and remind everyone of music’s power to bring people together.
Through YPCares, choristers from the Young People’s Chorus of New York City bring music, conversation, and connection to nursing homes and assisted living communities across New York City. These visits create meaningful shared experiences that uplift residents, foster empathy in young singers, and remind everyone of music’s power to bring people together.
YPCares is an intergenerational outreach initiative from Young People’s Chorus of New York City that brings young singers into nursing homes and assisted living communities across New York City. Created to address the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, YPCares fosters meaningful connection between generations through live choral performances and interactive musical engagement.
Each year, YPCares reaches nearly 1,500 older adults across nursing homes and assisted living communities throughout New York City, creating moments of joy, connection, and belonging through the power of music.
Working closely with the YPC Artistic Team, choristers help select repertoire that resonates across generations, including beloved songs such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “America the Beautiful,” “Give Us Hope,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Each YPCares visit is designed to create a warm, interactive, and uplifting experience for residents and choristers alike. A typical visit includes:
YPCares was featured in a national PBS NewsHour Classroom Student Voices piece exploring how music can help address social isolation.
Loneliness and social isolation affect millions of older adults, increasing risks to both physical and emotional health. Through music and meaningful conversation, YPCares creates opportunities for connection that uplift residents while teaching young singers the value of empathy, service, and community. Every visit reminds participants, young and old alike, that they are seen, heard, and valued.
“Music changed the entire atmosphere. When we first walked into the room, it felt quiet and distant. But as soon as we started singing, people began smiling, tapping along, and making eye contact with us. It felt like music opened the room.”
– Nikhil, Founder of YPCares
“Our residents always look forward to YPCares’ visits, and many have shared just how meaningful those moments are to them. The music brings joy, connection, and comfort. Because the group continues to come back, they’ve built genuine relationships with our residents that have had a lasting impact on our community. The students are always warm, joyful, and incredibly kind, making every visit a pleasure and every event easy to organize.”
– Northern Manhattan Rehabilitation & Nursing Center