Aubrey Hill is a sophomore Communication major with a concentration in PR and a minor in Organizational Leadership. Aubrey served as a communications intern with Lori’s Hands in Fall 2023 and shared that “the Lori’s Hands internship has been an amazing experience for me as I have been able to create connections with clients, share their stories, and grow my skills in writing and media. In the future I hope to continue to work on these skills and pursue a career in Public Relations as well as travel.” Read about what Aubrey learned and observed about the intergenerational friendships developed through Lori’s Hands below!
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Lori’s Hands program participants frequently share with us that they appreciate the practical assistance provided by our student volunteers. Many of our clients have trouble with tasks such as cleaning up the house or going grocery shopping. Luckily for them, our eager volunteers are more than willing to chip away at their to-do list! In addition to the practical assistance provided, there is another valuable aspect of Lori’s Hands that is more “behind the scenes.” This aspect is intergenerational friendship. As students and clients get to know each other more on a personal level as their visits progress, their bonds grow stronger and blossom into an intergenerational friendship.
Through intergenerational friendship, both parties are able to share their life experiences and advice with each other. According to a 2021 report from Generations United, young adults can gain new perspectives about life through intergenerational relationships which can aid their transition to adulthood. Younger students may rely on these relationships for guidance as their older friends have made it through the struggles that they are currently facing.
The same report from Generations United also detailed the benefits of intergenerational friendships for the older adults. These relationships can help with social isolation, improve a sense of purpose and quality of life overall, and a stronger sense of community. As family dynamics change with old age, it is comforting to know that people from other generations can physically and emotionally support and care about one another.
Each of our clients have their own special relationships with their student volunteers. Dawn, who has been with Lori’s Hands for years and is often referred to as a “Lori’s Hands Celebrity,” has been able to form very meaningful connections with her student volunteers, especially Taylor who has been visiting with her for years. Their relationship goes below the surface level as they share stories about their families, interests, and travels. Dawn always prioritizes having conversations with her student volunteers while they sit together in the living room. Whether it be small talk about school, a story on the news, or upcoming plans, Dawn and her volunteers are more than happy to spend their time chatting together. While Dawn values the company, Taylor has a new trusted friend to go to for advice, guidance, and more.
Another one of our valued clients, Tracey, shared her experiences with intergenerational friendships with her current volunteers, Anna and Mia. Through the tasks that Tracey has them complete, the three women are able to share stories about their past, present, and future. One task that Anna and Mia helped Tracey with was describing her old jewelry to her so she could donate it to her church. Since she is visually impaired, this help is greatly appreciated. As the girls went through each piece of jewelry, Tracey was able to share stories about how she acquired the lovely pieces, allowing Anna and Mia to get a glimpse into Tracey’s earlier life, while allowing Tracey to fondly revisit her past memories. Tracey’s student volunteers are more than happy to help out their friend in any way possible and she shared how much she looks forward to their visits, which always end with a hug.
Finally, we have Rosemary, a Lori’s Hands client of about 5 years. While visiting with Bethany and Sudesh, her student volunteers, each day comes with a new conversation. Whether it’s about their favorite movies, how school is going, or sharing family stories, each participant is eager to learn more about each other. Through what may seem like basic conversations, the intergenerational friendship flourishes as Rosemary, Bethany, and Sudesh grow closer, their bond growing with each visit. Rosemary’s favorite part of being involved with Lori’s Hands is the conversations with her newly made friends at each visit.
Part of the mission of Lori’s Hands is to build mutually beneficial relationships that foster connection. As seen through a variety of relationships, each client and student volunteer is able to generate an intergenerational friendship that reflects reciprocity, as each party is able to learn from and support one another. This valued relationship is one that will last beyond the Lori’s Hands program.
References:
Gonzales, Ernest and Rachel Kruchten. “Making the Case for Intergenerational Programs.” Generations United, 2021. https://www.gu.org/app/uploads/2021/03/2021-MakingTheCase-WEB.pdf
