Uke Connect:
A music-based connection with the community
About
Uke Connect is a community-based initiative aimed at addressing social isolation among older adults in high-rise buildings in Burnaby. By offering ukulele lessons and culminating in a celebratory public Flash Mob performance, the project fosters music-based connection and public engagement. The event takes place from Burnaby Neighbourhood House to Metrotown Public Plaza and is scheduled for June 14, 2025.
Purpose
This project is designed to reduce loneliness, promote confidence, and enhance social connections and visibility of older adults within the community. It uses music and public performance to foster intergenerational engagement about aging, and create lasting community impact through shared experience.
Project Goals
This research will:
- Reduce social isolation by fostering community connections.
- Promote active aging and intergenerational learning.
- Build a replicable and sustainable model for future music-based social interventions.
Join the community and you will enjoy:
- 20+ older adults gain musical and performance skills
- Public participation in an uplifting Flash Mob event
- Increased confidence, engagement, and ongoing musical activity among participants
- Development of a public toolkit for future programs and knowledge dissemination at UBC and other community spaces
Expected Outcomes
Who is Involved?
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lillian Hung
Co-Leads: Mario Gregorio, Dibbo Roy
Research Assistants: Joey Wong, Janna Zeid, Jennifer Yu, Kevin Richard Chen Wang, Kayla Lim, David Shao, Yuka Ohno, Veronica Moros, Maico Lin, Serena Li, Albin Soni, Shambhabi Arora, Jason Fu, Janna Zeid, Riea Singh, Tiffany Wu, Riichi Rohit Mazi, Peter Zhao, Jeffrey Wong
Community Partner Lead: Alexis Haig