CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Loneliness continues to be an epidemic in the United States. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Data shows one in two Americans experience loneliness

  •  The U.S. surgeon general labeled loneliness as an epidemic in our country 

  •  One woman is using her poetry to combat loneliness in her Charlotte senior living community

The most recent report from the U.S. surgeon general found one in two Americans experience loneliness, with the highest rates of social isolation being felt among the older populations. 

But senior communities are making huge strides with building social connections and combating loneliness. 

Dot Lorenz is 100 years old.

She resides at Brookdale Charlotte East, a senior living community in East Charlotte. 

"I don't feel a day over 50," Lorenz said. "Except once in a while." 

Lorenz wears many hats, including being a composer and writer of children's books. She also writes songs and poetry. 

Lorenz has been sharing her talents with the Brookdale senior community. She said it's helping them to bond and build meaningful friendships. 

"It makes me feel good, naturally, that people enjoy my poetry," Lorenz said. 

Zdia Williams and Larry Mabry also stay at Brookdale Charlotte East. 

They both enjoy hearing and reading Lorenz's work with other seniors. 

"It's an excellent opportunity for togetherness," Williams said. "We're all seniors, and these are our golden years.  

"Dot is good medicine for us," Mabry said. 

Lorenz said she cherishes the accolades she receives from residents. It motivates her to write and share more content with the Brookdale community. 

But believe it or not, Lorenz's poetry talents started blooming when she moved into the senior living community. 

"I stayed in my own house until I was 90 years or older," Lorenz said. "But my eyesight was getting bad. I didn't want to be a danger to anyone so I moved into Brookdale." 

Lorenz later joined Brookdale's poetry club. 

"Much to my surprise, I was good at it, so it's a passion for me now. When I write poems, it's almost like giving birth to another child. It keeps my mind active," Lorenz said. 

Poetry is continuing to help Lorenz and others strengthen connections within their community. 

Lorenz said she's going to keep writing, not only for Brookdale, but for her loved ones. 

"I want to leave all I've been doing as a legacy for the next generations so they remember Grandma Dot," Lorenz said. "I think my family's proud of me." 

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