According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately one-quarter (24%) of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, with a significant proportion of adults reporting feeling lonely (35% of adults aged 45 and older and 43% of adults aged 60 and older). These stark statistics are a reminder of a growing concern in society — the isolation and loneliness experienced by the senior population.
For 17-year-old artist Kimberly Chang, these numbers are more than just figures, they represent a deeply personal experience that has inspired her to create a heartwarming children’s book titled “Grandpa, My Hero.”
Bridging Generations Through Storytelling
Chang’s journey into storytelling began with her relationship with her grandfather, who suffers from hemiplegia and aphasia. Through her interactions with him, she witnessed firsthand the challenges seniors face, particularly those dealing with health issues or limited mobility.
For Kimberly Chang, the “Grandpa, My Hero” storybook is more than just a children’s book, it is a carefully crafted story to champion empathy and understanding between generations. The story explores a young girl and her grandfather’s unique bond and the wisdom that can be shared across generations.
Chang explains, “I wanted to create a story that would resonate with families. The goal is to show kids that their grandparents aren’t just old. They’re wise, resilient, and have incredible stories to share. And for seniors, I want them to feel seen and valued through this book.”
Research-Driven Narrative
What makes the “Grandpa, My Hero” storybook unique is the extensive research that went into its creation. Chang explains that she did not rely solely on her personal experiences but rather immersed herself in understanding the challenges seniors face on a broader scale.
“Before starting ‘Grandpa, My Hero,’ I conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups with geriatric experts, caregivers, and seniors themselves,” Chang reveals. “I uncovered a recurring theme: isolation wasn’t just a matter of being physically alone, it was about feeling invisible in a fast-paced, youth-driven world.”
This approach allowed Chang to weave an entertaining but accurate story that reflects the emotional realities of aging. “These stories weren’t just statistics or case studies, they are deeply human,” Chang notes. “Hearing seniors talk about their struggles broke my heart but also motivated me to find a way to make their voices loud.”
Challenging Stereotype and Building Connection
The “Grandpa, My Hero’s” vibrant illustrations and engaging story work together to capture the attention of young readers while conveying important messages about the value of intergenerational relationships. It also is a conversation starter, as it will prompt children to ask questions and learn from their elders. Chang believes this interaction is essential to combat seniors’ loneliness and isolation. “Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it,” she notes. “More than anything, the goal of ‘Grandpa, My Hero’ is to create meaningful conversations that encourage kids to ask questions, giving the elderly the feeling of being included and heard.”
The Start of a Bigger Initiative
The release of the “Grandpa, My Hero” storybook is only the beginning of Chang’s dedication to addressing senior isolation through storytelling. The young artist has plans to expand on the themes of her book through new projects that blend storytelling with technology.
“I’m exploring the development of interactive apps and digital platforms for documenting and sharing seniors’ stories,” Kimberly Chang shares. “These will create more opportunities for intergenerational connections in our increasingly digital world.”
Chang adds, “Working on this book has changed my perspective on aging and the value of intergenerational relationships. I hope it does too for children and adults who will read it. If it encourages them to spend more time with their grandparents or view older adults with more empathy, I’ll consider it a success.”
“Grandpa, My Hero” is available via Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
