Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

At Tellegacy, we’ve long known that intergenerational relationships are transformative, but recent feedback from one of our Legacy Builder student volunteers has deepened our understanding of their profound impact. One volunteer shared that the most important person in their life was the older adult they had legacy sessions with. This testimonial spoke to us to the essential role these relationships play, not just for older adults, but for younger participants as well. These young volunteers, many of whom are students, are forming deep, meaningful connections with older adults, and the positive effects are felt across generations.

The Rise of Social Isolation Among Younger Adults

While social isolation and loneliness are often seen as challenges for older adults, younger generations are also experiencing heightened levels of these issues. Research shows that nearly 1 in 3 young adults report feeling isolated—a significant portion of the population that is increasingly disconnected due to changing social dynamics and reduced in-person interactions. Many young people are also battling mental health challenges that contribute to feelings of loneliness, as they juggle academic pressures and personal struggles.

Tellegacy’s program, which focuses on intergenerational connection, directly addresses this issue by providing younger volunteers with opportunities to engage with older adults in meaningful ways. Through these legacy sessions, younger generations not only give back to those who came before them but also benefit from the deep emotional connection that combats the loneliness they face.

The Hidden Benefits for Younger Generations

Though Tellegacy’s primary focus has been on the impact of intergenerational relationships for older adults, we’re now beginning to measure the tangible benefits for younger volunteers as well. Data from our program has shown that young participants in legacy sessions report a decrease in stress, loneliness, and social isolation. These young people gain a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment by helping older adults reflect on and share their life stories, and in doing so, they experience less stress and an increased sense of social connectedness.

For many young volunteers, these relationships provide a space where they can process their own feelings of isolation and experience the healing power of social connection. This renewed sense of belonging helps them better navigate their own lives and supports their overall mental health and well-being.

Tellegacy’s Impact: Transforming Lives Through Intergenerational Connections

At Tellegacy, we are now tracking the full range of program outcomes, and the results are exciting. We’re witnessing a shift toward greater mental health resilience and fulfillment. The legacy sessions, which initially aimed to help older adults combat loneliness, have proven to be equally beneficial for younger participants, creating a shared sense of community across generations.

We are grateful for the support of foundations, organizations, and funding programs that enable us to continue this important work. Your contributions help us bring these transformative programs to more communities, but there is still much more to be done. We encourage further partnerships to help expand our work and reach even more young and older individuals who could benefit from these connections.

Join Us in Creating Lasting Change

If you are part of an organization or foundation interested in supporting intergenerational programs or learning more about how Tellegacy is making a difference in communities across the country, we invite you to explore partnership opportunities with us. Together, we can create a world where people of all ages feel seen, heard, and valued. To learn more about how you can get involved or support Tellegacy’s mission, visit Tellegacy.org.

References

  • National Institute on Aging. (2023). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Risk Factors and Health Effects. Retrieved from Social isolation, loneliness in older adults risk factors and health effects
  • AARP. (2021). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Adults. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/community/info-2021/social-isolation-loneliness-adults.html
  • Cigna. (2020). The Cigna 2020 Loneliness Index. Retrieved from https://www.cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/2020/2020-loneliness-index

About Dr. Jeremy Holloway

Dr. Jeremy Holloway is the founder of Tellegacy, an organization dedicated to bridging generations through meaningful intergenerational connections. With expertise in social determinants of health (SDOH) and community health, Dr. Holloway is passionate about creating lasting relationships that improve the well-being of individuals and communities. To learn more about Dr. Holloway’s work and his impact in the fields of health, education, and community-building, visit Jeremy Holloway’s website.