Connecting. listening. ENGAGING.
Welcome to
generations
united
what is
generations
united?
Generations United is a program that strives to close the gap between our older and younger generations in the Valley while working to address the issue of senior loneliness and isolation through interactions in the form of phone calls, emails, or letters that create a trusting friendship between both groups. The adolescents who choose to take part in the program are trained by a former college psychologist professor in the art of conversation and active listening, a skill that is fading due to technology, before they are paired up with a senior citizen to begin their calls. These interactions promote a connection and friendship between the two parties.
generations
united
Connecting. listening. ENGAGING.
mission
statement
Generations United promotes the interaction and mutually beneficial relationship that develops between seniors and youth members through the chosen method of interaction (phone calls, emails , or letters). This program recognizes the dignity and self-worth of all seniors with whom we interact with, and the youth members who volunteer in order to make a difference.
Our members are taught to promote empathy and understanding through multiple training sessions while building strong, trusting relationships with these seniors. These members are able to improve the quality of life for seniors through conversation while they gain invaluable knowledge about life from the experiences that seniors share with them.
Generations United strives to give seniors positive opportunities while engaging with younger members of our society in ways that will enhance self-awareness, self-determination, socialization, and reinforce their personal strengths and their place in the community.
generations
united
Connecting. listening. ENGAGING.
why do it?
Generations United is a program that cultivates qualities in youth that have become harder to attain due to the influx of techonology in our daily lives. It also sheds light on the issue of senior loneliness and its members actively work to address this issue through meaningful interaction with senior members.
For youth:
As technology evolves, it impacts our society in negative and positive ways. Millennials who have grown up surrounded by iphones and laptops are now facing the challenge of maintaining those social skills that came so easily to generations before. This issue of a lack of communication skills is exactly what Generations United aims to solve.
We hope that, by creating a bond with a senior and learning about the art of conversation, young people will be ready to face the growing demand for communication skills that are so readily vanishing.
Not only that, but youth will carry this meaningful friendship for the rest of their lives and learn that the two generations are not so different after all.
For seniors:
There is epidemic of senior loneliness in the valley. A study conducted by the University of San Francisco stated that 18 percent of seniors live alone, while 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. In many cases, all an adult wants is someone to talk to who cares about what they are saying.
Simple communication and friendship can improve the quality of life for many seniors. This phenomena has been proved medically and many researchers have come to the conclusion that an increase in social activity can lead to better health.
By participating in this program, adults are helping youth, through their experiences and their friendship, to succeed in society as a well-balanced individual while gaining a meaningful and genuine friendship with a teenager who is eager to learn about you. This unlikely friendship, helps to bring the two generations together and improve the quality of life for both groups.
generations
united
Connecting. listening. engaging.
get involved - get in touch
If you would like to become a member of Generations United, or would like to inquire about our services, you can email us using the form below or call us at 760-702-0628.
Generations United Members