At GIA Longevity, we aim to shape a world built for longevity — one in which longevity is not merely about longer lifespans, but about quality, dignity, equity, and belonging for every older person. It is with that vision in mind that we highlight The Life House Project (THLP), a powerful initiative led by the University of Surrey that employs theatre and creative methods to elevate underheard voices among older LGBTQ+ adults, particularly in relation to housing and care.
What is The Life House Project?
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THLP invites older LGBTQ+ individuals to share lived experiences through theatre, scriptwriting, improvisation, and more, in a process that encourages reflection, expression, and collective meaning-making.
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Project participants have voiced fears of discrimination, the need to conceal identity in care contexts, and the longing for affirming environments. These stories surface hidden tensions in housing and care systems.
- Crucially, THLP has co-created training resources for housing and care providers, intended to support staff in delivering more inclusive, affirming, culturally aware care. These tools are free to access (via a short sign-up).
Why It Matters — For Longevity & Social Inclusion
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Longevity is not simply biological; it is deeply contingent on the social, emotional, and environmental conditions in which people age.
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Discrimination, concealment, isolation, and fear exact a toll on well-being, mental health, and sense of self — especially as vulnerabilities increase with age.
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To build societies where everyone can age with dignity, we must listen to marginalized voices, design with them (not for them), and redesign institutions to better reflect diverse lived realities.
Watch, Reflect & Act
Project Team:
- Dr Georgia Bowers, Guildford School of Acting, University of Surrey
- Dr Richard Green, University of Surrey
- Dr Frances Sanders, University of Surrey
- Professor Andrew King, University of Surrey
🧭 Explore the resources links:
The Life House Project Animation | Learn more about The Life House Project
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How might your institution’s policies or practices unintentionally silence marginalized older adults?
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What small — or bold — change could you initiate to make care or housing more inclusive?
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How can storytelling, arts, and participatory methods deepen empathy and accountability in aging systems?
At GIA Longevity, we believe that advancing longevity requires both scientific insight and social justice — advocacy, inclusion, and imaginative systems design. With your partnership, we can help create futures in which everyone ages with dignity, voice, and belonging.