At Tellegacy, every story matters, and through our intergenerational programming, we are bridging the gap between young learners and older adults to promote connection, reduce social isolation, and create lasting impact. We are excited to announce our new partnership with Dr. Robert Carrothers, a sociology professor at Ohio Northern University (ONU) in Ada, Ohio, who is integrating Tellegacy into his curriculum through this course for the semester. This initiative provides his students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with older adults, listen to their life stories, and document their experiences in a way that reinforces the value and wisdom of older generations.
As part of this collaboration, Burton’s Ridge, a senior living community in Lima, Ohio, has also partnered with us, allowing its residents to participate in in-person legacy sessions with ONU students.
The Protentional of Intergenerational Connections
Research continues to show the life-changing benefits of intergenerational relationships for both students and older adults. This program is designed to:
✅ Reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults by providing meaningful, structured conversations.
✅ Enhance student learning by giving them real-world insights into aging, resilience, and social dynamics.
✅ Encourage cross-generational understanding, cultivating empathy and appreciation for life experiences.
✅ Document and preserve personal legacies, allowing older adults to share their stories and create a lasting keepsake.
Through this initiative, ONU students will meet in person, over the phone, or virtually with older adults, engaging in meaningful discussions and listening to treasured life experiences. Those who wish to have their stories documented will receive a beautifully compiled Legacy Book, a tangible reminder that their stories hold deep significance.
Bringing Legacy to Life at Burton’s Ridge in Lima, Ohio
Burton’s Ridge, a well-respected senior living community in Lima, Ohio, has enthusiastically embraced this partnership, offering its residents the opportunity to participate in in-person legacy sessions. This is a major step forward, as face-to-face interactions create an even deeper level of engagement, allowing students to observe non-verbal cues, expressions, and emotions that make storytelling even richer.
By sharing their wisdom and experiences, residents of Burton’s Ridge not only find connection and companionship but also help shape the next generation’s understanding of aging, resilience, and community.
Why This Matters: The Tellegacy Mission in Action
At Tellegacy, our mission is to re-humanize healthcare and society one conversation at a time. This initiative directly aligns with our commitment to:
- Empowering Health Through Connection – Promoting meaningful social engagement and reducing loneliness among older adults.
- Enhancing Education Through Experience – Giving students direct exposure to real-life narratives that supplement their academic studies.
- Preserving Legacies for Future Generations – Ensuring that life stories are heard, recorded, and cherished.
By working with academic institutions and senior living communities, we are expanding the reach of intergenerational storytelling and proving that connection is a vital ingredient in both well-being and education.
Looking Ahead: More Partnerships, More Stories
We are thrilled about this collaboration and look forward to expanding our partnerships with universities, senior communities, and organizations that share our passion for providing opportunities for meaningful intergenerational experiences.
If you’re a university professor, senior living administrator, or healthcare organization interested in bringing a similar program to your institution, we’d love to connect!
📩 Contact us today at social@tellegacy.com or visit https://tellegacy.org to learn more!
Join the Movement: How You Can Support Intergenerational Storytelling
✔️ Educators: Bring Tellegacy to your curriculum and provide students with a hands-on learning experience.
✔️ Senior Living Communities: Partner with us to offer residents a chance to share their stories and build relationships.
✔️ Students & Volunteers: Get involved and be part of a powerful, life-changing program.
✔️ Organizations & Sponsors: Support our mission through funding, partnerships, and advocacy.
Follow Tellegacy on LinkedIn to stay updated on upcoming initiatives and success stories!
🌍 Together, we are building a world where every story is valued, and every generation is connected.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Ohio Northern University, Burton’s Ridge, and Tellegacy is proof that intergenerational connections have the power to transform lives. By listening, learning, and preserving legacies, we are creating a future where older adults feel heard, valued, and remembered while students gain perspective, empathy, and understanding that will stay with them for a lifetime.
