These past six months as a Life Course Scholar has created a space for me and other LCSers to cultivate a HAP that challenged, reinforced, and changed ideas around healthy aging. While “Phone Pals” had a rough start the outcomes that emerged from it allowed me to understand the largely important and undeniable comfort, communication and connections bring. I was so glad to hear that Tricia, the main point of contact for our Talmadge residents, would be willing to take over and further the connections between Talmadge residents and willing volunteers. My hope for our HAP would be seeing elders create intergenerational connections with their partnered volunteers--to see these volunteers take the opportunity to dispel any ageist myths and debunk and misunderstandings they may have around aging.
“Phone Pals” was a project I can confidently say I am happy to have brought to life with Elizza and Susie. There was much change that occurred because of COVID but nonetheless, our project took off and impacted lives. There was definitely frustrating moments along the way-- the loss of some volunteers, starting late, and trying to publicize our project to our elders. BUT, looking back now that our project is coming to a close, these steps were all necessary in building up our team work and cultivating our ability to adapt. It truly is bittersweet seeing our HAP come to a close but knowing that each elder and volunteer took time to open up to a stranger is something to be proud of. While this is the end of “Phone Pals” for me, this is the start of broadening my perspective and supporting healthy aging!
“Phone Pals” was a project I can confidently say I am happy to have brought to life with Elizza and Susie. There was much change that occurred because of COVID but nonetheless, our project took off and impacted lives. There was definitely frustrating moments along the way-- the loss of some volunteers, starting late, and trying to publicize our project to our elders. BUT, looking back now that our project is coming to a close, these steps were all necessary in building up our team work and cultivating our ability to adapt. It truly is bittersweet seeing our HAP come to a close but knowing that each elder and volunteer took time to open up to a stranger is something to be proud of. While this is the end of “Phone Pals” for me, this is the start of broadening my perspective and supporting healthy aging!