Pruitt Library Hosts Cyber Senior Event as Summer Reading Program Surges

July 16, 2025

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Nashville Public Library Board meeting on July 15, 2025, highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and digital literacy among residents. A significant focus was placed on ensuring a safe environment for both library staff and patrons, reflecting the board’s commitment to public safety.

One of the standout announcements was the upcoming “Cyber Senior” event, organized by Marion Christman, which invites seniors to learn how to use tablets. Scheduled for Friday at 11 AM at the Pruitt Library, this event aims to bridge the digital divide for older adults, with participants aged 70 to 94 expected to attend. The program not only provides valuable tech skills but also includes lunch, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

In addition to digital inclusion efforts, the board received an update on the summer reading program, which is currently thriving. As of the meeting date, nearly 13,000 readers have participated, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. This includes over 2,200 students from the Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Promising Scholars program. The library has set an ambitious goal of 355,000 reading days by the end of the summer, with both adults and children encouraged to contribute to this total.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the library’s role as a vital community resource, promoting literacy and lifelong learning while addressing the needs of diverse populations. As the summer reading program continues, the library remains focused on fostering a love for reading and ensuring that all residents have access to the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.

Converted from 07/15/25 Nashville Public Library Board meeting on July 16, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

The intergenerational parish: How Catholics can bring together young and old

Juan Merced

July 17, 2025

In many American parishes, it is not uncommon to see distinct age groups seeming to live parallel spiritual lives: seniors at morning Mass, families at Sunday school and young adults (if present at all) at evening services. While each group receives ministry tailored to their needs, something essential is lost when generations remain siloed. This generational segregation represents a missed opportunity that undermines one of the Catholic Church’s greatest strengths: its capacity to bring diverse people together in authentic community.

Young Catholic adults often feel disconnected from parish life, with only 30 percent of Catholics ages 18 to 29 attending Mass weekly (compared with 49 percent of Catholics over 65), according to a 2015 survey by the Pew Research Center. Meanwhile, older Catholics frequently express concern about the future of the faith but also worry that youth-focused initiatives treat them as irrelevant. This divide isn’t merely demographic. It is a pastoral crisis that threatens both the transmission of faith and the vitality of parish communities.

Fortunately, some parishes have discovered that intergenerational mentoring programs create vibrant relationships that enrich spiritual formation while addressing broader social needs. These initiatives go beyond superficial interactions to foster meaningful spiritual companionship between generations.

St. Catherine’s Parish in Milwaukee implemented what they call Faith Companions—a program that pairs seniors with confirmation candidates for a year-long journey. Unlike traditional classroom-based confirmation preparation, this approach creates space for authentic faith sharing. Margaret Sullivan, a 74-year-old participant, describes the transformation: “I expected to teach Julia about the catechism, but we’ve also had incredible conversations about doubt, hope and how God works differently in our lives. Her questions have revitalized my own faith.”

What makes such programs successful is their mutuality. Rather than positioning the older generation merely as teachers and the younger as students, effective intergenerational ministry recognizes the gifts each brings. Young adults offer technological savvy, fresh perspectives on tradition and challenging questions that prevent faith from becoming stagnant. Older adults contribute wisdom, institutional memory and lived examples of faithfulness through difficult seasons.

The biblical foundations for this approach are clear. The prophet Joel foresaw a time when “your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Jl 2:28). This image suggests not separate spiritual tracks but rather complementary charisms that, when brought together, reveal God’s complete vision for the community.

Pope Francis highlighted this dynamic in the apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit,” writing that young people “call us to renewed and expansive hope, for they represent new directions for humanity.” Yet he also emphasized that elders provide “memory and wisdom for the young.” This intergenerational exchange is not optional but is essential to healthy Catholic communities.

Practical implementation requires intentional structures. Successful parish programs share several characteristics.

First, they create formal opportunities for relationship building through shared activities with spiritual significance. St. Michael’s parish in Atlanta, for example, pairs seniors and young professionals for monthly service projects, followed by theological reflection. Through shared service at a homeless shelter or community garden, conversations about faith naturally emerge in context rather than through an imposed curriculum.

Second, effective programs encourage reciprocal ministry. For example, programs like Cyber-Seniors at Catholic parishes and schools create opportunities where tech-savvy students provide workshops helping older parishioners navigate digital tools, while seniors offer career mentoring and life wisdom to these same students. This mutual exchange of gifts dignifies both generations.

Third, successful initiatives incorporate intergenerational prayer practices. At Holy Cross Parish in Boston, the Pray It Forward program creates small groups with members spanning multiple decades who meet monthly to learn and practice different prayer traditions. These groups explore various forms of Catholic prayer and contemplative practices, from traditional devotions to contemporary expressions. This creates a fertile environment for spiritual growth that transcends age-specific approaches by showing how the richness of Catholic spirituality can appeal to and unite people across generations.

The benefits extend beyond individual spiritual formation. Parishes implementing these programs report increased Mass attendance across age groups, more diverse volunteer participation and greater financial stability as younger members develop stronger institutional commitment. These observed benefits, though not yet formally studied in a comprehensive way, represent the consistent experience of parishes committed to intergenerational ministry. More importantly, these communities show the value of an alternative to America’s age-segregated culture.

Challenges exist, of course. Getting people’s attention remains difficult in our over-programmed society. Generational differences in communication styles and theological emphases—where different age groups may tend to focus on different aspects of church teaching—require patience and skilled facilitation. Some participants initially resist relationships outside their comfort zones. Yet parishes that persevere through these growing pains discover unexpected graces.

For Catholic communities seeking renewal, intentional intergenerational mentoring offers a path forward that honors tradition while remaining responsive to contemporary needs. Our parishes might rediscover their vitality by facilitating meaningful connections across the age spectrum—creating communities where wisdom and innovation, memory and hope, tradition and fresh expression come together in a living witness to the timelessness of the Catholic faith.

In a society increasingly defined by generational antagonism, parishes practicing authentic intergenerational ministry become countercultural signs of unity amid our diverse church community. They demonstrate that the body of Christ transcends age brackets and demographic categories, offering instead a vision of community where every member, regardless of age, has essential gifts to share in our common journey toward God.

Juan Merced is a Catholic social ethicist and director of the Center for Community Engagement at Boston College.

Getting comfortable with health technology isn’t really scary

By Jim Paterson June 20, 2025

If you ask for help while using a parking app, setting up your TV or scheduling a doctor’s appointment online – or if you use the word “password” as your actual password – you may need to more fully embrace technology.

Like senior moments of forgetfulness or repetition of bad jokes, lagging tech skills are something your adult children probably joke about on their ride home or in chats at the playground with other parents – or maybe worry about a little bit.

But being tech savvy is increasingly essential for everything from dog grooming appointments to getting help quickly if you fall. And, as scary as artificial intelligence may sound, it can help us get critical and noncritical information (What was Maxwell Smart’s real name and is he dead?), as well as organize fleeting thoughts or let someone know we need help.

Laurie Orlov hosts a website (ageinplacetech.com) with an exhaustive array of information on the intersection of tech and health. She said many seniors are doing a better job staying current, in part thanks to the pandemic, when we learned to zoom and bicker with Amazon chatbots.

“Seniors want to communicate with grandchildren and stream TV,” she said. “But increasingly, it is critical for one other thing: their health.”

Tekia Lee, director of Dover BAYADA at Bayhealth, which offers home health care, said seniors should embrace telehealth, especially in areas like Sussex County where a large and growing population of retirees is outpacing the supply of doctors.

“Both virtual and home health appointments can ensure seniors get timely care, particularly those with limited mobility,” said Lee. “Our nurses can assist clients with various technologies, monitoring devices and basic communication tools for telehealth.”

There are platforms to help with specific health concerns, such as myAir, which tracks the effectiveness of CPAP equipment, and several that monitor pacemaker functions. Checkme Suit is a portable vital signs device providing detailed reports on a host of functions.

Researchers have shown that using a diabetes app improved hemoglobin and blood sugar levels significantly over three months – and there are nearly 20 systems to choose from.

Joseph Zazworskey, BAYADA division director of clinical practice, said congestive heart failure patients can avoid frequent hospitalization with remote monitoring. Also, a third of Bayada’s patients require wound care, and he said video technology allows the whole care team to see and guide the healing process.

“Patients want to stay out of the hospital, and combining home health care with new technologies helps them do that,” he said. “Being able to send messages and get test results electronically – even meet by video – can be a lot faster than getting a doctor on the phone or an in-person appointment.

“The next generation of wearable devices will be able to monitor your health on the go. A phone app will monitor your activity level, risks, disease exacerbation and changes in your condition,” Zazworskey said.

The National Council on Aging has Medical Guardian as its top fall-detection device choice, but also praised Bay Alarm Medical, Mobile Help and LifeFone. Lots of good info on falls is available at the NCOA website.

“Homes with sensors now can detect lack of movement or falls and directly communicate with hospitals, caregivers and doctors,” Orlov said.

Ana-Maria Vranceanu, a Harvard researcher, said wearable health trackers like the Apple Watch, Fitbit and Garmin can monitor heart rate, steps and sleep, and report falls. SilverSneakers offers online fitness classes.

At night, you can track your sleep accurately and easily with an Apple Watch and your iPhone, but the New York Times also recommends SleepScore or Sleep Cycle for all devices.

“Also, AI can help with cognitive activity, or act as memory support or gather information,” Vranceanu said. “It can even support setting up technologies like health trackers or transportation apps, which can get nondrivers to appointments.”

Free AI platforms like Claude, ChatGPT and Google Gemini are easy to use, and an AI-based platform called Care Daily can detect if a family member got out of bed, took medicine, turned off the stove or interacted with other people. 

Hearing aids are getting more sophisticated and increasingly addressing the nettlesome problem of background noise. Now your phone also can link to Apple AirPods Pro 2 for a basic hearing boost. A table microphone can allow users to focus on the primary speaker, and tinnitus masking and speech enhancement technology is changing continually.

Medication can be ordered online and managed through e-pill or MedMinder, while voice-activated virtual assistants like Alexa or a cellphone can offer reminders, instead of relying on notes taped to the refrigerator door.

About insurance coverage, Zazworskey said many telehealth functions are covered, but its authorization expires this fall if it isn’t renewed.

If all this sounds confusing, Senior Planet offers classes on health tech, and Cyber-Seniors offers free tech help and classes, including about AI.

Or, you can ask for an explanation from the child who jokes about your password.

How to help older relatives stay safe online – without causing offence

Ann Hui Generations Reporter

May 5, 2025

About 18 months ago, Maria Wu received a call that left her shaken. Ms. Wu’s mother-in-law, who is in her 70s, had been on the receiving end of a so-called “grandparent scam” – a call from an anonymous number, with a voice that sounded like her son’sclaiming to need a large sum of cash for an emergency.

Luckily, Ms. Wu’s older relative was skeptical. Shecalled her son and then, after confirming the whole thing had been a fake, the police. Still, the incident was unsettling enough to prompt Ms. Wu’s family to discuss how to best protect their loved ones from the seemingly endless list of scams targeting seniors by text, phone and online.

It’s been a challenge. “It’s hard to give them all of the different scenarios of what to look out for,” said the 42-year-old Ms. Wu, who lives in Calgary. With her own parents, who are both in their late 70s, she’s tried to address the broad spectrum of disinformationonline, including fake news, hoaxes and outright fraud.

“I can see them starting to get overwhelmed, and I don’t want to scare them altogether.”

The challenge of helping older loved ones navigate the online world safely can become a significant source of stress and anxiety − on all sides. For older generations, who often don’t have the same level of experience with newtechnologies, being lectured by younger relatives or adult children may feel, at best, patronizing, and at worst, controlling. For younger generations, providing that support to older relatives can be a daunting – oftentimes thankless – task.

But with the variety and sophistication of scams and hoaxes increasing, so too is the urgency to have such conversations.

Fraud is the No. 1 type of crime committed against seniors in this country. Last year alone, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received more than 21,000 reports of online fraud, totalling more than $470-million in losses. About 27 per cent of that dollar figure came from victims older than 60.

Because of this, Vanessa Iafolla, an anti-fraud consultant in Halifax, encourages families to have open and direct discussions with older relatives about their online activities.

“You have to try to step out of that parent-child relationship, not because you don’t respect your parents as your parents,” she said, “but because you need to see your parents as people who are susceptible to scams, like every other human being on the planet.”

Through these conversations with her parents, Ms. Wu said she’s seen her relationship with them slowly morph.

“It’s been a transition for us, changing from that parent-child dynamic,” she said. “They still have authority of their own life. But we just have more knowledge in this field.”

In the case of Jade, a 38-year-old Vancouver woman, that transition with her own mother has notgone smoothly. (The Globe is only using her first name to protect the privacy of her mother.)

Jade said her mother regularly parrots YouTube conspiracy theories and sharesblatantly fake and AI-generated headlines online. (Many studies have shown that older adults are especially susceptible to fake news online. One study after the 2016 U.S. election, for instance, found that during the campaign, Facebook users older than 65 were seven times more likely to share links to fake news sites.)

Trying to address the issue has led to conflict.

“It takes a lot of energy to figure out how to have these conversations, and there’s a lot of emotional stress on both sides. She feels like she’s being attacked, or that I’m telling her she’s dumb,” she said.

At some point, parents “change from becoming the authority figures in our lives, to us becoming authority figures,” she added.“And they both want that and resent it.”

Even when the older cohorts know they need assistance,asking for help can be a challenge.

Elvira Virelli, a retired teacher in her 60s, used to rely heavily on a tech-savvy younger couple who lived next door for online help. But they recently moved. “That was a big loss,” she said.

She navigates the online world increasingly nervously, ever-aware of the many scams. It’s why she avoids banking or shopping online.

Janice Towler, who also lives in Toronto, said she considers herself reasonably tech-savvy – at least for an 83-year-old. She usesan iPad to surf the web and do her online banking, and a black, bedazzled iPhone to e-mail and chat with friends.

Still, she relies on her son more than she’d like. “I don’t like to bother him,” Ms. Towler said. He’s always willing to help, but he doesn’t always have the time to walk her through things slowly.

She said she understands why some of her peers struggle with accepting help. “It’s hard to understand some of the technology. It’s just so new. They’ve felt in control, and now they’re at a disadvantage. So there’s probably some embarrassment too.”

Ms. Iafolla – who works with families who have been victimized by cyberfraud – acknowledged these conversationscan be difficult. But, she said, they’reeasier than having to pick up the pieces after a scam.

When explaining risks to older adults, “be on their team, and be on their side,” she said, adding that families should treat elderly loved ones with the same respect and curiosity they would give a friend or colleague.

Instead of going through the exhaustive list of hoaxes out there, it’s more helpful to focus on the traits most commonly used by scammers, she said. “Ask questions like, what knowledge do I have about this person? Is this person engaged in some kind of pressure tactic? Is this too good to be true?’”

Another potential solution isto bring in a neutral third-party.

At Cyber-Seniors, high-school students act as volunteer mentors, helping older members of the community navigate the online world.

“It’s a lot easier to have patience with someone you don’t really know,” said Macaulee Cassaday, the non-profit’s program manager.

And at a west Toronto condo tower earlier this month, a group of about a dozen seniors gathered for a technology workshop run by Janice Greenberg, a 71-year-old volunteer instructor with Connected Canadians, acharity with a similar mission.

Through Connected Canadians, Ms. Greenberg gives workshops to seniors on everything from ordering groceries online to recognizing phishing attempts.

“One advantage I have is that I’m sort of close to their age, so there’s a little bit of a connection,” she said.

For instance, when teaching about fake news, she’ll use the analogy of newspapers versustabloids at the grocery store checkout.

Among the participants at Ms. Greenberg’s workshop were Ms. Virelli and Ms. Towler. But it’s not just the older generations who have something to learn about the online world, Ms. Virelli said.She pointed to the way many younger people are glued to their phones.

“Younger people might have a certain dependence that older people might not have,” she said. “It’s not all positive one way and all negative the other.”

AI for Seniors – 5 Powerful Ways Older Michigan Adults Are Winning with Smart Tech

Older adults are increasingly using AI tools like voice assistants and chatbots to enhance daily living. Classes teach them about these technologies, fostering independence and connection, but caution is needed regarding misinformation and scams.

by Michael Hardy

Older adults today are exploring a host of AI-powered tools that can make daily life easier, from voice assistants to chatbots. Across the country, “scores of [classes] have sprung up” to teach seniors about AI. In one Illinois class, a retired professor called AI “probably the greatest technical revolution that I will see in my lifetime,” as she learned about ChatGPT and other tools. Programs like Michigan’s GetSetUp have made AI for seniors training easy and accessible across Michigan.

AI Devices Can Control Household

Voice-activated assistants – like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Home – let users control gadgets and get information hands-free. These devices can answer questions, play music, set timers, and even control smart lights or thermostats by voice. For example, a Google Home speaker can dim lights or play a favorite song when asked.

Research shows many older adults find these assistants easy to use: one study found seniors’ “first response to a voice assistant was positive, thanks to the simplicity of a speech-based interaction.” Voice assistants have also been studied as tools for aging in place. In one program, seniors reported that Alexa gave them a sense of companionship and security, and its reminders helped with daily tasks. In a 12?week exercise program, all 15 participants (ages 60–89) completed workouts guided by an Alexa device, reporting the system was “user-friendly, convenient…and enjoyable.”

Generative AI chat tools are another new frontier. ChatGPT and similar programs can draft emails, answer questions, or write stories. Some tech centers now offer free classes just for seniors. For example, AARP’s Senior Planet runs online workshops to “make the most out of ChatGPT and other AI software.” A Michigan public library hosted a class promising “practical benefits” of ChatGPT, such as generating personalized text in seconds. After attending such courses, seniors have started experimenting with AI at home. One 89-year-old told the AP that she “eventually queried ChatGPT about how to treat a personal medical ailment” after a workshop. (Experts caution that AI health advice should be checked carefully.)

Smart health and safety devices are growing more advanced too. Wearable monitors and apps can track heart rate, steps, and sleep. Studies show simple fitness trackers are easy for many seniors to use and can boost activity levels. More sophisticated devices like the Apple Watch include automated fall detection: if a hard fall is sensed, the watch can call emergency services.

Researchers note that wearables “could help monitor falls, alert caregivers…and predict falls.” Many older adults welcome these tools: studies find seniors generally want to stay independent and are “willing to accept new technologies that support their independence”. In practice, 80% of people over 65 wear a personal emergency alert device at some point, though some hesitate to use it.

Medication reminders and apps also help. A recent trial found that using an easy drug-management app “can improve drug adherence, reduce adverse events and pave the way for better disease management” among seniors taking many prescriptions. Simple voice features in smart assistants can set pill alarms too.

Getting Started: Free Classes and Community Help

Seniors curious about AI don’t have to dive in alone. There are many no-cost or low-cost resources and classes. AARP’s Senior Planet program offers free online tech classes nationwide, from basic internet skills to AI topics. GetSetUp, an online learning platform for older adults, partners with Michigan to provide thousands of free peer-led classes. Michigan’s health department reports that nearly 268,000 seniors took GetSetUp classes, on topics from fitness to “how to use popular software programs and apps.” One state health official said making GetSetUp “available for all residents at no cost…helps them live happy, healthy and engaged lives.”

Local libraries and senior centers often host workshops on technology. For example, a library in Trenton, MI, advertised a “Practical, User-Friendly AI Class for Older Adults,” promising to explore “the practical benefits of using…ChatGPT” for writing letters or solving problems. Nonprofits like Cyber-Seniors connect seniors with tech-savvy student volunteers. Cyber-Seniors offers free phone and video help and webinars on everything from online browsing to health apps.

Benefits and Cautions: What Experts Say

Experts say AI offers real benefits for older adults but comes with risks. On the upside, AI tools can boost safety and social connection. Voice assistants can remind users of appointments or bridge distances by calling family on command. Chatbots can help with writing or answer questions when family isn’t around. “This technology offers new possibilities for people with sensory, physical, and cognitive challenges,” note researchers at the University of Maryland, because voice control can overcome barriers like small buttons or poor eyesight. Seniors have reported using voice assistants to look up health information, check the weather, or stream music, and they appreciate the “efficiency and convenience” of speaking rather than typing.

However, specialists warn seniors to stay vigilant. Studies show older adults trust AI-generated information less than younger people. A University of Michigan poll found that about 74% of adults over 50 would have little or no trust in health information if AI generated it.  Nearly a quarter of seniors admitted they lack confidence in spotting false health information online. Experts emphasize that seniors should double-check AI advice, especially on important topics like finance or medicine. “Helping older adults better understand AI-generated information…may help address these concerns,” recommended a recent study.

Security A Concern For Seniors

Security is another concern: scams and deepfakes powered by AI have targeted the elderly. One analysis warned seniors may be more susceptible to fraud and online misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence. To balance benefits and risks, trainers advise a healthy skepticism. As one instructor told an AP reporter, “Overall, the suspicion on the part of seniors is good – but I don’t want them to become paralyzed from their fears.” In other words, seniors should learn to use AI tools and enjoy their help, while remaining cautious.

“By gaining skills with these technologies, older adults can open new doors,” says Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian of Michigan’s health department. Programs like GetSetUp have given hundreds of residents “valuable resources to combat social isolation and access new knowledge, significantly improving their quality of life.” With user-friendly tools, supportive classes, and a bit of guidance, tech-curious seniors can leverage AI to stay connected, informed, and safe.

Click, Connect, Thrive: The Cyber-Seniors Revolution – Macaulee Cassaday

In this powerful and heartwarming episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey sits down with Macaulee Cassaday.

Macaulee is the inspiring co-founder and current Seniors Program Director of Cyber-Seniors, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide for older adults through intergenerational mentorship and tech training. Macaulee shares the origin story of Cyber-Seniors, from a high school volunteer project inspired by her grandparents to an internationally recognized movement fueled by empathy, innovation, and youth leadership. She candidly reflects on her personal journey—including her and her grandfather’s shared battle with cancer—and how technology became a lifeline for connection and healing. Listeners will hear powerful stories of transformation: from the seniors who learned to connect with loved ones across the globe, to the young mentors who gained unexpected wisdom from their elders. The conversation also covers the evolving role of tech in healthcare, the risks of online scams, and why continued learning and curiosity are essential at any age.

Poilievre Targets Scammers with New Measures Aimed at Protecting Seniors

Libby is joined Macaulee Cassaday, Program Director at Cyber-Seniors and Digital/Cyber Strategist Ritesh Kotak.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is making a direct appeal to Zoomers, unveiling a new set of measures aimed at cracking down on the rise of sophisticated scams—particularly those targeting seniors. But how do these proposals differ from existing protections and penalties already in place? We break it down.

Breaking barriers: Seniors learn to navigate AI with ChatGPT

How older adults in Calgary are adapting to the digital age

by Anita Surujbally

When a senior at the Calgary Public Library asked how she could make calls without a phone, a technology mentor turned to ChatGPT for an answer. Moments later, she had a list of solutions she never knew existed.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes an increasingly dominant force in daily life, curious seniors are actively learning to use tools like ChatGPT to navigate their world more effectively.

From finding answers to personal questions to learning how to make the most of AI-assisted technology, there are many ways in which older adults can interact with these tools.

However, their journey isn’t always straightforward and many still need guidance to feel confident using the new resources.

At the library’s Tech Mentors program, seniors appear to be a demographic particularly curious about using tools like ChatGPT.

Davina Jehring, Tech Mentors volunteer coordinator, gets many questions from this age group.

“I noticed that ChatGPT and all the cool things that you can do with it come up more frequently,” she said.

Even if they don’t end up using it, older adults are interested in learning more about the new technology. They want to know what it is and what the tool can do because it has become such a dominant part of our culture.

However, according to Jehring, teaching older adults to use ChatGPT isn’t as simple as it might seem. For younger generations, using AI tools might feel like second nature. But for seniors, the technology is completely unfamiliar—even the concept behind it is hard to wrap their heads around—and they need extra support to understand how to interact with it.

Volunteers are teaching them how to write the correct prompts for ChatGPT, how to type and what kind of answers to expect.

“It’s not just about going to a site, typing something into a box, and pressing enter. It’s about how we interact with these tools,” said Macaulee Cassaday, program director of Cyber-Seniors, a non-profit organization that provides older adults with technology training.

“If you’ve ever been with someone unfamiliar with AI, you can hear them asking questions in a way that won’t get them the right answer. It’s about learning how to ask the right questions and understanding the responses.”

Volunteers from both organizations spend time explaining the nuances of interacting with ChatGPT and other AI tools, helping seniors understand that how they phrase their questions matters.

“We take it for granted because we’ve used these tools for so long. For seniors, it’s not as intuitive as we think,” said Cassaday.

For some, however, AI is more than just a tool—it’s an opportunity to stay engaged in a rapidly evolving world.

Rick Williamson, 84, is a retired IT advisor. He has been eagerly exploring AI, recently diving into Gemini and AI assistants. 

He finds the technology easy to use. Living in a retirement community, he sees many accomplished peers still catching up with new technology. One of them, a 99-year-old woman, has been baffled that her world suddenly seems to be entirely on her iPhone.

“She’s sharp as a tack, but it’s a big adjustment,” Williamson said.

From his small office at the seniors residence, he juggles multiple tasks, including talking on his iPhone, working on his laptop and switching between Microsoft tabs as he helps field requests for help with various uses of technology from his friends and peers. 

He’s built a strong reputation for assisting others with their Androids and iPhones, and he is enjoying helping fellow seniors stay connected.

For Williamson, technology isn’t a barrier—it’s an opportunity. While many assume seniors struggle with tech, he wants to dispel that stereotype. He’s not just keeping up. He’s leading the way, bridging generations and showing that age is no limit to playing with technology innovation.

Intergenerational Relationships and Healthy Aging: Building Networks of Support

By creating meaningful connections, sharing caregiving responsibilities, and developing community-based solutions, communities can help older adults lead fulfilling lives.

By Athena Chan on March 14, 2025 9:45 am

Aging is a universal experience, and the need for strong support systems has become more crucial. “It takes a village to support older adults” is particularly relevant when discussing aging, as older adults benefit greatly from shared responsibility in emotional, social, and instrumental support. Whether through family, friends, or community programs, fostering strong networks can significantly impact the well-being of aging individuals.

The idea that a collective effort is needed to care for older adults aligns with traditional values found in many cultures. Historically, extended families lived together or near one another, ensuring that older family members received care and companionship. However, many older adults live alone or in facilities far from their families today. Without a strong support network, they may struggle with loneliness, mobility issues, and emotional distress.

A community-oriented approach can help address these challenges. Family members, neighbors, and volunteers can offer assistance with daily tasks, transportation, and social engagement. Research has shown that older adults with strong support networks experience fewer mental health issues and a greater sense of belonging.  Programs like AARP’s Community Connections help older adults find local resources, meet new people, and participate in activities that improve their quality of life.

Interestingly, studies have found that older adults aged 50 and above who own pets with limited social connection with family or provide care for family members report higher levels of depression and lower self-rated health compared to those non-pet owners with limited social connection with family members outside the household. While caring for loved ones can be fulfilling, it can also be stressful and physically demanding. This highlights the importance of shared caregiving responsibilities and ensuring that older adults receive support rather than bearing the burden alone.

On the other hand, older adults who maintain strong family ties and close relationships across generations tend to report better overall health and greater life satisfaction. A study from the National Institute on Aging found that older adults who regularly interact with family and friends have lower rates of depression and cognitive decline. Encouraging family connections, whether through weekly calls, visits, or shared activities, can foster emotional stability and overall well-being.

Addressing isolation and loneliness through intergenerational programs

One of the biggest challenges older adults face, particularly those who live alone or have lost a spouse, is social isolation. Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, and other health concerns. However, innovative intergenerational programs are helping to bridge this gap.

Increasingly, universities and community organizations are pairing college students with older adults for mutual benefit. These programs allow students to gain valuable life lessons and wisdom while older adults experience companionship and a renewed sense of purpose. For example, The Big & Mini Project connects older adults with young people through video calls, creating meaningful friendships that reduce loneliness and improve mental well-being. Similarly, NYU’s Aging Incubator pairs students with seniors to exchange stories and perspectives, strengthening intergenerational ties. By fostering connections between generations, these programs combat loneliness and create a more compassionate and inclusive society where people of all ages feel valued and supported.

The psychological and social benefits of intergenerational relationships

Research has consistently shown that strong intergenerational ties can mitigate stress, enhance psychological well-being, and promote purpose in life. Meaningful social engagement helps older adults maintain cognitive function, improve their mood, and even increase longevity.

In Japan, where the population of older adults is among the highest globally, intergenerational programs are an integral part of society. Initiatives such as Silver Human Resources Centers allow retirees to work part-time in their communities, maintaining a sense of purpose while contributing to society. Other programs, such as intergenerational daycare centers, combine childcare and eldercare, fostering bonds between children and seniors that enrich both groups’ lives.

Strategies for building sustainable, intergenerational aging solutions

Creating strong support networks for older adults requires a collective effort from communities, policymakers, and service providers. Here are some strategies to enhance family resilience and promote healthy aging:

1. Encouraging family involvement: Families should be supported with resources to help them balance caregiving responsibilities. This includes offering respite care, financial support, and educational resources to ensure that older adults receive the best possible care.
2. Expanding community-based programs: Governments and nonprofits should invest in senior centers, meal delivery programs, and transportation services to keep older adults connected and engaged. Organizations like Meals on Wheels America provide food and valuable social interaction.
3. Promoting housing solutions for intergenerational living: Many cities are exploring housing solutions that accommodate multiple generations under one roof. This approach allows older adults to receive daily support while maintaining independence. One example of this is the intergenerational home-sharing program in NYC. This program ensures economic security and builds meaningful social connections
4. Advocating for policy changes: Policymakers must prioritize aging-friendly policies, including accessible healthcare, retirement benefits, and support for caregivers. Countries like the Netherlands have developed progressive models, such as allowing university students to live in nursing homes at reduced rent in exchange for social engagement with older residents 
5. Leveraging technology for connection: With the rise of digital tools, older adults can stay connected through social media, video calls, and virtual communities. Training programs that teach seniors how to use technology can significantly improve their social interactions and reduce loneliness. Platforms like Cyber-Seniors help older adults learn digital skills while connecting with younger mentors.

As you can see, intergenerational relationships and strong support networks are necessary to promote healthy and happy aging. By creating meaningful connections, sharing caregiving responsibilities, and developing community-based solutions, communities can help older adults lead fulfilling lives. As populations age, it is critical to adopt sustainable, intergenerational approaches that embrace the wisdom and contributions of older generations while providing them with the care and companionship they deserve.

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