A Growing Public-Health Challenge
Loneliness is among the most pressing public-health issues today. Research shows that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, and even premature mortality. For many older adults, especially those living alone or far from family, opportunities for meaningful social connection are limited, inconsistent, or inaccessible.
This isn’t just a social challenge; it’s a structural one. And it requires coordinated, evidence-informed solutions.
Why Aging Policy Matters
Aging policy shapes how communities, institutions, and governments support older adults. Federal and local initiatives push for:
More funding for scalable, community-based programs
Support for intergenerational initiatives that strengthen social cohesion
Evidence-based interventions that reduce loneliness and cognitive decline
Research-driven frameworks to guide program design and evaluation
Programs that pair social connection with measurable health outcomes are especially vital as policymakers look for cost-effective, high-impact interventions.
Where We Fit In
Our intergenerational model directly aligns with emerging policy priorities. Intergenerational interaction is:
Recognized as a promising approach for reducing loneliness and strengthening community bonds.
Accessible, Cost-Effective Programming
Easily scalable and can be implemented in diverse settings without specialized equipment.
Focused on Evidence-Oriented Design
Our work incorporates research on cognition, social connection, and youth engagement, and we are actively expanding our evaluation framework to support policy alignment.