Generation Connected is an initiative under All4Smiles that aims to alleviate and educate on the issue of senior loneliness by encouraging meaningful connections between youth volunteers and seniors. We seek to combat senior loneliness by creating a platform where conversations, experiences, and genuine friendships can be created and shared. Together, we strive to create a community where no senior feels lonely and every young person can make a positive impact on a senior's life.

Spring Gardening Party Social at Sunrise Senior Center, New Jersey

The Issue

Social isolation and loneliness are important, but often neglected, social determinants of health across all ages, including for older people. High-quality social connections are essential to our mental and physical health and our well-being. Social isolation and loneliness are critical yet often overlooked factors affecting health, impacting mental and physical well-being particularly in seniors. Building and maintaining high quality social connections are crucial to combating these issues, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like Generation Connected that promote community engagement and support amongst seniors and the younger generation.

How Does Generation Connected Help?

Senior Health Workshops

Our senior health workshops aim to educate and empower youth to better understand the challenges that seniors face in healthcare systems. Through expert lectures and interactive discussions, youth explore aging in relation to topics like health equity, loneliness, and caregiving.

Social Events at Senior Homes

We host seasonal events at senior living centers to bring joy, connection, and a sense of community to residents. From bake sales supporting the Alzheimer's Association to garden tea parties with homemade pastries, these events create warm, welcoming spaces where seniors can relax, socialize, and build connections with youth volunteers.

Virtual Zoom Workshops (in progress)

Our virtual Zoom workshops are designed to create meaningful connections and friendships among seniors and youth. These sessions allow youth and seniors to engage in discussions, share experiences, and build genuine friendships from the comfort of their homes.

Our workshop with Dr. Thomas Cudjoe

Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

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