In a time when healthcare systems are increasingly stretched, and communities are becoming more disconnected, the need for meaningful intergenerational dialogue is quite critical today. In a recent podcast appearance, Dr. Jeremy Holloway—a national voice in intergenerational program development and health equity—shared compelling insights on what truly matters in life as we age, care for others, and reflect on our shared humanity.

Dr. Holloway, the founder of the Tellegacy program and a research professor focused on social isolation, aging, and resiliency, introduced a holistic framework designed to elevate well-being across generations. This framework, known as the “4 Ms of Well-Being,” offers an accessible yet powerful approach to navigating aging, caregiving, and purpose-filled living.

Dr. Holloway shares insights rooted in the Age-Friendly Health System framework known as the 4 Ms—an evidence-based approach that supports better care for older adults by focusing on what truly matters to them:

1. Mobility

Encouraging safe daily movement to maintain function and independence. Supporting mobility reduces fall risk, supports physical and mental health, and helps older adults continue doing what they value.

2. Mentation

Addressing cognitive health by identifying and managing conditions such as dementia, depression, and delirium. Mentation is essential for decision-making, maintaining relationships, and overall quality of life.

3. Medication

Ensuring medications are age-appropriate, not duplicative, and aligned with a person’s goals of care. This reduces adverse drug events and supports effective treatment without unnecessary risk.

4. What Matters

Perhaps the most important pillar is the intentional exploration of What Matters—a personal inventory of values, relationships, and life goals. This aspect encourages older adults and caregivers alike to stay grounded in purpose, connection, and legacy. Conversations around “what matters most” can lead to transformative shifts in care planning, daily choices, and quality of life.

The Case for Intergenerational Communication

At the heart of Dr. Holloway’s work is a belief in the transformative power of intergenerational communication. When younger and older generations engage in authentic, consistent conversations, something remarkable happens: stories are exchanged, empathy is expanded, and new understandings emerge.

These exchanges go beyond surface-level connection. They can reshape caregiving relationships, inform community programming, and even influence policy decisions aimed at improving behavioral health and reducing loneliness. As Dr. Holloway shares through his Tellegacy program, legacy-building is not about looking back—it’s about shaping a future where mutual respect and human dignity guide how we care for one another.

Real-World Impact Through Tellegacy

Dr. Holloway’s intergenerational model, Tellegacy, is currently used across universities, assisted living communities, and healthcare organizations. It’s more than a conversation tool—it’s a data-informed approach to improving well-being outcomes, building cross-generational resiliency, and reducing stigma related to aging and mental health.

This framework is especially valuable in a post-pandemic world where social isolation among older adults has reached unprecedented levels, and caregivers face burnout at alarming rates. Programs like Tellegacy reimagine what meaningful engagement looks like—blending storytelling, reflection, and purpose in one unified experience.

Listen to the Full Interview

To explore these themes further and hear Dr. Holloway break down the 4 Ms and the vision behind Tellegacy, listen to the full podcast episode:
🎧 Finding What Truly Matters: An Intergenerational Perspective with Jeremy Holloway, M.A., Ph.D.

Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, student, or simply someone interested in aging well and building deeper human connections, this episode is a must-listen.

Final Thoughts

As our society navigates how to best care for an aging population, the need for purpose-driven, culturally responsive approaches becomes clear. Dr. Jeremy Holloway’s work provides both a framework and a call to action—for all of us to reflect, engage, and reimagine how we connect across generations.

To learn more about Tellegacy or invite Dr. Holloway to speak at your organization, visit:
👉 Tellegacy.org
👉 JeremyHolloway.com

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