Relationships Over the Lifespan

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

In partnership with the Antelope Valley College Interpersonal Communication class students and senior participants from the Antelope Valley Senior Center (AVSC) are paired to discuss the senior participants’ perspective on building and maintaining relationships. Intergenerational program benefits the senior with increased positive physical health, as well as lessens the risk of depression resulting from loneliness. Students benefit from learning from another’s perspective with the goal of increasing their ability to make and maintain relationships. 2022 marked the third year of this collaboration. Pre-pandemic the seniors and students met one-on-one at AVSC and conducted the interviews in a private room. Once the Center closed to the public, due to the high transmission of COVID, the seniors and students met virtually. Seniors needing technology assistance were given the opportunity to come to the Center and use the computer lab. Thereby, providing the seniors with access to a computer and web cam to participate in the interview safely and privately. At the end of the interview process the students celebrated their assignment with the seniors and Center staff in a festive setting.