Older Adults

New program reduces burnout in dementia caregivers, novel research evaluation proves

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:41:27 +0000

New program reduces burnout in dementia caregivers, novel research evaluation proves Taylor Thomas Wed, 10/29/2025 - 08:41

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Y. Alicia Hong, PhD

As the old saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. To give time and energy to others, it is vital to attend to one’s own well-being. As the U.S. population ages, there is a growing demand for tools that support the more than 19 million people who serve as caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). Family caregivers of individuals with ADRD are vulnerable to poor mental and physical health due to long-term, strenuous caregiving and lack of support.

Kang Shen. Photo provided

A novel process (i.e., delivery and functionality) evaluation developed by Kang Shen, PhD health services research student at �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health, establishes that user-friendly digital interventions are the solution. WECARE 2.0, a culturally tailored digital health program, is proof as it has enhanced caregivers’ physical and mental health.

“WECARE’s approach—combining cultural relevance with an accessible, widely used technology app—proved to be highly effective and well-accepted by users. High user satisfaction, participant retention, and significant improvements in caregiving skills and positive aspects of caregiving all point to WECARE’s promising early results,” said Shen, who is a first-generation student and also has a bachelor's and master's degrees in health informatics from George �鶹��Ƶ.

The study, Process evaluation of a digital health intervention for dementia caregivers: Integrating active and passive measurements, was published in September 2025 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the premier journal of the Alzheimer’s Association and the leading journal in the field.

Participants became more knowledgeable about ADRD, learned problem-solving strategies, improved their personal caregiving skills, reduced stress, increased social support, while being user-friendly.

“This program [WECARE] is so good, easy to understand, even for a 70-year-old. I don’t like reading text and can play the recording instead. I like your how-to videos; I can open them whenever I want and watch them multiple times,” one program participant shared.

WECARE, which was originally designed by Y. Alicia Hong, a Department of Health Administration professor and digital technologies intervention researcher and specialist, was delivered through the social media app WeChat. Through the platform, researchers provide easily accessible educational articles and videos, tips on practicing self-care, and opportunities for social connection with other caregivers.

Innovative Evaluation Methods

Shen’s process evaluation of WECARE 2.0 is the first to employ multiple—qualitative and quantitative—data collection methods. With data from surveys, interviews, self-reported reviews, and website engagement, Shen measured how often participants opened the app and its accompanying resources, how long they spent using the resources, and feedback of the program at the intervention’s conclusion.

Shen’s approach also highlights the importance of creating tools that do not simply exist but are observable to implementers for timely improvement. Unlike previous evaluative methods, her use of short surveys (active measurement) and tracking user activities on the backend (passive measurement) offers program developers comprehensive insight into what works, what doesn’t work, and why throughout the intervention process.

This innovative process evaluation method can facilitate developing more effective digital health interventions for underserved dementia caregivers. Results are being integrated into the next version of WECARE and can inspire future interventions.

“This study serves as a framework for creating and evaluating digital health tools that are culturally grounded and genuinely accessible for diverse, underserved caregiving communities. Our goal is to inspire a shift toward more inclusive and effective support systems that meet caregivers where they are, leveraging familiar technologies to overcome access barriers,” said Shen.

Her research was supported by Hong. Additional co-authors include Yixuan (Janice) Zhang from the College of William and Mary Department of Computer Science, Hae-Ra Han from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Jessica Lin from the George �鶹��Ƶ's Department of Computer Science, and Kenneth Hepburn from the Emory University School of Nursing.

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George �鶹��Ƶ and King’s College London win Google Award to fight AI-driven romance scams targeting older adults

Nathan Kahl — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 23:23:41 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ and King’s College London win Google Award to fight AI-driven romance scams targeting older adults Nathan Kahl Sun, 10/26/2025 - 19:23

The term “catfishing” entered mainstream use with the release of the eponymous 2010 documentary investigating the practice of creating fake online personas, frequently to scam someone. Today, AI is pushing this practice to a frightening new level, with the prospect of older adults falling for what are called “romance scams.”

Sanchari Das, an assistant professor in �鶹��Ƶ’s Department of Information Sciences and Technology, and Ruba Abu-Salma, an associate professor in the department of computer science at King’s College London, received a $100,000 Google Academic Research Award to help keep older adults safe online. Their project, Scammed by Love: Toward Mitigating AI-Facilitated Romance Scams Against Older Adults Through Empirical and Cross-National Studies, will investigate the prevalence of such scams targeting older adults and will create educational tools to help them safely navigate dating apps.

The researchers will conduct a multi-national study spanning 13 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Das, who has published research on older adults and their online dating habits, said, “We think about older adults in terms of health care needs, but we don't think about dating and romance. I learned that a majority of older-adult scams come from scam dating, and the victims cannot even share that it happened with their support networks, like their children, because it would be such a taboo and embarrassing thing to share.” Das added that an estimated $3 billion is lost each year in the United States to romance scams across all age groups, based on reported figures. “And that’s only what’s being reported.” Das is concerned that while romance scams are among the most prevalent forms of fraud affecting older adults, this population remains understudied in this context.

AI is making romance scams even harder to detect. iStock photo.

With roughly 12 percent of Americans over 70 having used a dating app or site, there is significant exposure for financial harm. Given the rapid advances in AI-generated images, video, audio, and simulated emotional expression, these attacks are increasing. One news story (of many) tells of a UK resident who scammed at least 10 female victims over 11 years out of 100,000 British pounds.

Abu-Salma, who has also published research on older adults and other at-risk groups, noted that according to a recent 2025 study by Lloyds Bank, “Individuals aged 55 to 64 are the most targeted age group, accounting for 20 percent of romance scam victims, followed by those aged 65 to 74, who represent18 percent of cases.”

In response to these risks, Das and Abu-Salma’s project will proceed in three phases. First, they will analyze data from focus groups and surveys of older adults in countries with high dating-app adoption. Second, they will develop educational safety materials. Third, they will hold in-person community workshops in the United States and the UK, partnering with older adult communities to refine and disseminate these materials. The team will work with organizations worldwide to share their findings online.

Das said she is excited about this collaboration and grateful to receive such highly competitive Google Academic Research Award in the Trust, Safety, Security, and Privacy research domain, noting, “We all know about deepfakes, but the bigger issue is that scammers are no longer just swapping faces. They are creating entirely new personas that feel real, so you may not even question whether the person you are talking to exists.” She added, “Our goal is to equip older adults with simple tools and support so they can connect online with confidence.”

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Sanchari Das

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The brain may not be a muscle, but it still needs exercise

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:09:59 +0000

The brain may not be a muscle, but it still needs exercise Taylor Thomas Thu, 10/16/2025 - 10:09

As we age, keeping our bodies active helps us stay healthier for longer and protects against chronic disease. We can also exercise our brains to prevent age-related mental decline with activities like reading aloud, writing by hand, and simple math exercises.

Photo by Getty Images

The idea of “working out” the mind is core to the StrongerMemory program, a rigorous brain training curriculum developed by the Goodwin Living Foundation and tested by �鶹��Ƶ social workers. Gerontology research specialist Emily Ihara, with co-investigator George �鶹��Ƶ Professor of Social Work Catherine J. Tompkins, found that mental exercise such as preventing age-related mental decline resulted in both self-reported and researcher-assessed improvements in key brain health indicators among older adult participants.

“The StrongerMemory program was associated with both objective and subjective improvements in cognitive functioning among older adults. The components stimulated and strengthened working memory, attention, and decision-making processes,” said Ihara, professor and chair in the Department of Social Work at George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health (CPH).

Unlike previous cognitive exercise programs, which focused on a single aspect of brain health (e.g., memory or attention alone), the activities of this program were specifically chosen to stimulate multiple parts of the brain with the goal of combating progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).

“By combining reading aloud, writing by hand, and simple math exercises, the program engages multiple cognitive pathways, offering broader benefits than single-domain approaches. The results can inform practitioners, policymakers, and families about practical, affordable, non-pharmacological ways to possibly mitigate cognitive decline and promote healthy aging,” said Ihara.

Emily Ihara. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Older adults in the StrongerMemory program participated in three daily activities for 30 minutes per day: 10 minutes each of reading aloud, writing by hand, and completing simple math problems. The program was tailored, allowing participants choice in reading material and writing content. For example, some older adults chose to write letters to family. At the conclusion, implementers interviewed participants and conducted tests on memory recall, verbal fluency, attention, dates, and location.

Age-related cognitive decline can include memory loss, lapses in attention, trouble performing daily tasks, and confusion, among others that could be warnings of ADRD. Participants were recruited from older adult living communities, and self-reported cognitive decline but did not have a formal ADRD diagnosis.

Can brain exercises mitigate cognitive decline? A quasi-experimental evaluation of the StrongerMemory program was published July 2025 in Educational Gerontology.

Tompkins, who is also associate dean for faculty and staff affairs, and Hyun Kang from the James Madison University, and a former CPH postdoctoral researcher, served as co-authors of the study. Additionally, several George �鶹��Ƶ and CPH alumni were contributors, including Francesca A. Keesee, MSW ‘23; McKenzie S. Lauber, BSW ’23, MSW ‘24; Catherine M. Magee, MSW ‘23; Kendall Barrett, BSW ‘20, MSW ‘22; Madeline Holden, MSW ‘22; Harveen Pantleay, MSW ‘22; and Gergana N. Hardy, MA Sociology '24.

Read more about the efficacy of the StrongerMemory program:

I Have Decided to Read Out Loud for the Rest of My Life! Cognitive Health and the StrongerMemory Program

Boosting Cognitive Training through Social Engagement: Impacts on Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline

�鶹��Ƶ the researcher

Emily Ihara is a social work and gerontology researcher focused on developing and evaluating community-based interventions that support cognitive health for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Her expertise bridges practice-based innovation and rigorous research methods, with an emphasis on accessible, scalable solutions to pressing challenges in aging societies.

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Emily Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA

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$3 million National Institute on Aging grant will provide much-needed support to underserved dementia caregivers

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:11:07 +0000

$3 million National Institute on Aging grant will provide much-needed support to underserved dementia caregivers Taylor Thomas Wed, 10/15/2025 - 09:11

More than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), supported by 12 million unpaid family caregivers whose contributions are valued at $413 billion annually. As the U.S. population continues to age, the number of people with dementia and their caregivers will nearly triple by 2050. Innovative solutions to support family caregivers are urgently needed.

Y. Alicia Hong. Photo provided.

Now, with a $3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), �鶹��Ƶ digital health intervention researcher Y. Alicia Hong is poised to change that. Hong led an interdisciplinary team to develop the Wellness Enhancement for Caregivers (WECARE) as a culturally tailored, digital health intervention to enhance caregiving skills and improve the well-being of dementia caregivers. The new grant will allow her team to further refine WECARE using artificial intelligence (AI) and evaluate it with a randomized controlled trial.

“WECARE is one of the first personalized digital interventions for dementia caregivers,” said Hong, a professor in the College of Public Health's Department of Health Administration and Policy. "Though it is designed for Chinese American dementia caregivers, it can be adapted for other groups and serve the growing demand for digital support for dementia caregivers in an aging society

The seven-week program will provide participants with informational ADRD multimedia content, quiz games, social networking with other caregivers, personalized feedback, and additional individualized resources. WECARE’s success will be evaluated by measuring the depressive symptoms reported by participants. The project also intends to identify barriers to and facilitators of WECARE’s adoption and long-term use.

This resource comes at a critical time as the aging population grows, and more people with ADRD require caregivers. Additionally, most family caregivers have chronic conditions due to prolonged and intensive dementia caregiving, causing an increased need for resources that sustain the health of family caregivers.

Hong’s grant titled “WECARE: A Personalized Intervention for Underserved Chinese American Dementia Caregivers” will take place from September 2025 to August 2030, for a total of $3,088,427. WECARE is directly responsive to NIA’s priority of effective interventions for ADRD-affected populations.

Hong studies the intersection of health services delivery and consumer informatics. Her work explores chronic care and self-care solutions through innovative digital technologies to improve patient-centered outcomes and enhance health care accessibility. Hong’s research focuses on implementation and dissemination science and leveraging digital technologies to enhance health services delivery.

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Y. Alicia Hong, PhD

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Helping older adults embrace AI and emerging technologies with a National Science Foundation grant

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:08:43 +0000

Helping older adults embrace AI and emerging technologies with a National Science Foundation grant Taylor Thomas Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:08

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into our lives, older adults are being left behind. Poor digital literacy is more than being unable to use social media. It increases the risk of poor health outcomes as it may exclude anyone, especially older adults, from finding and using information that sustains and promotes health. With a highly competitive grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), digital technologies researcher, Y. Alicia Hong, is helping older adults keep pace with evolving technology and setting them up for success in the future.

Y. Alicia Hong. Photo provided

“Our project equips older adults to adapt to emerging technologies, such as AI, and become more resilient in a rapidly changing digital landscape,” said Hong, professor in �鶹��Ƶ’s Department of Health Administration and Policy.

From online banking to electronic health records like MyChart, people need to interact with digital technology on a daily basis. Hong’s project will incorporate youth, who are more adept with technology, to aid older adults’ skill-building. At senior centers, a youth and an older adult will walk through scenes where they may encounter AI technology. A web platform will guide them to collaboratively develop a digital life story with realistic scenarios with support from AI tools.

"The project seeks to strengthen AI literacy, social connectedness, and resilience among older adults while cultivating responsible AI awareness in youth," Hong said.

Hong will co-design the web-based platform that facilitates intergenerational engagement between youth and older adults in narrative-style storytelling to improve their understanding of digital technologies and AI. They will use multiple AI-based tools, including ChatGPT for script generation, Runway ML for image creation, Eleven Labs for audio, and Descript for editing.

Hong will work alongside the project’s PI, Dr. Yixuan (Janice) Zhang, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at College of William & Mary. Collaboration with a computer scientist will ensure refined evaluations of usability, accessibility, and participants’ ability to use the web-based platform independently, while also taking into consideration cultural sensitivity. Their interprofessional, intercollegiate partnership will optimize resource allocation and program performance.

“We aim to deliver a community-based model for AI literacy that helps older adults confidently and safely use AI, strengthens intergenerational bonds by positioning youth as tech partners, and gives community-based organizations a practical toolkit they can sustain after the grant,” said Zhang, co-PI with Hong. “The award converts a co-designed concept into a tested, transferable, and sustainable platform and program to enhance AI literacy among older adults.”

“The project will inform future programs aimed at underserved groups and foster more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful engagement with emerging technologies,” said Hong.

NSF grants are awarded to researchers whose projects have demonstrated the capacity for advancing research and education across science and engineering. The project entitled “Enhancing AI Literacy and Resilience through Intergenerational Digital Storytelling among Older Adults” is a three-year, $661,478 grant.

As a digital health behavioral interventionist, Hong studies the intersection of health services delivery and consumer informatics. Her work explores chronic care and self-care solutions through innovative digital technologies to improve patient-centered outcomes and enhance health care accessibility. Hong’s research focuses on implementation and dissemination science and leveraging digital technologies to enhance health services delivery.

Powering Artificial Intelligence at George �鶹��Ƶ

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For older adults, extreme heat can mean life or death

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:54:37 +0000

For older adults, extreme heat can mean life or death Taylor Thomas Fri, 08/29/2025 - 13:54

In This Story

Li-Mei Chen, PhD

Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke are known to be dangerous for everyone, but older adults are at heightened risk and are likely to suffer more drastic health consequences if those close to them, whether that be family members, friends, or caregivers, are not vigilant.

Healthy aging scholar and gerontologist Li-Mei Chen specializes in the health and well-being of older adults, and how caregivers and systems can better support them. Chen, assistant professor of social work at �鶹��Ƶ's College of Public Health, answers pressing questions on how to keep older adults safe in extreme heat, offering actionable preventive measures key to protection from heat exposure.

Why are heat-related illnesses particularly dangerous for older adults?

Failing to understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening. Compared to younger people, older adults require more water for the body to function properly, such as producing sweat to cool the body. Furthermore, older adults are less sensitive to thirst and will forego drinking water as often as they should. Also, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, which can be exacerbated by extreme heat.

How do common heat-related illnesses manifest differently among seniors?

Heat-related illnesses can manifest differently in older adults. People aged 60 years and older and individuals with obesity, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or long-standing diabetes are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Aging and chronic diseases may impair the body’s ability to regulate core body temperature in hot conditions.

Additionally, personal circumstances contribute to an increased risk of heat-related illness. Older adults who are unable to leave their homes, lack contact with other people, experience severe mental illness, poverty, and decreased mobility face even greater risk.

What are some early warning signs to look out for?

Early signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, redness in the face, excessive sweating, muscle pain, and leg cramps. As the symptoms worsen, older adults may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakened consciousness, and high body temperature.

If you are with someone showing signs of heat-related illness, remove them from direct sunlight, such as to under the shade of a tree, and try to relocate them to a cooler environment. Placing cold wet clothes on the forehead and neck can help alleviate symptoms and bring body temperature down. If symptoms are not improving, call 911 so medical professionals can render care.

Top 10 Tips to keep older adults safe and healthy in extreme heat

Check the weather before going out.
Ensure any venue is older adult-friendly with access to sitting areas and places to escape the heat periodically.
Hydrate! Take small sips of water regularly, even if not thirsty.
Apply and reapply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
Wear sunglasses and a hat.
Dress in breathable, lightweight clothing.
Monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
Adjust air conditioning as needed to keep indoor spaces cool.
Keep furniture away from direct sunlight.
Have a plan in place in case of emergency with family, friends, and neighbors, and be prepared to take action.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Li-Mei Chen about heat and older adults, please contact media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

Li-Mei Chen is a gerontologist and a healthy aging scholar. She is an assistant professor of social work in �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health. She is also a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. Chen’s teaching and research focus on dementia and aging, productive aging, intersectionality and the role of lifecourse in older ethnic minorities, community gerontology, and social policy. Her recent projects included hosting an international seminar in Japan on person-centered care for dementia, community-based strategies for civic engagement of older adults and the role of structural injustices and social exclusion on minority health and well-being. Her research includes developing a VR-based training for certified nursing assistants that will expand empathy for dementia patients. Recently, Chen took part in the annual Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) Capitol Hill Advocacy Day to champion aging-related policy priorities.

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., �鶹��Ƶ enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. �鶹��Ƶ has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

�鶹��Ƶ College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ

The College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

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George �鶹��Ƶ students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:25:23 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults Taylor Thomas Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:25

Across the globe, the number of older adults is rapidly increasing and health care systems around the world are adapting to the needs of this population. This summer, a group of �鶹��Ƶ graduate and undergraduate students, led by Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work Megumi Inoue, participated in the study-abroad program in Japan—Rise of the Super-Aged Society.

Students explored policies, programs, and services to meet the unique needs of an aging global population. During the program, students visited governmental and nonprofit agencies working with the older population and interacted with local older adults in community settings.

“Study-abroad programs offer students experiential learning opportunities in different cultures that go beyond traditional classroom education. By immersing themselves in new environments, students gain practical skills in cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving while they are studying a specific topic. They also develop a deeper understanding of local issues and perspectives, enriching their academic knowledge and broadening their worldview,” said Inoue.

Samiah Clark, a bachelor of social work student set to graduate in May of 2025, attests to how students gained valuable, firsthand knowledge that can only be accomplished through immersing oneself in the culture.

"The trip enhanced my education and observational skills surrounding the cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan,” Clark said. "Additionally, I learned about their customs of respecting older adults and traditions families partake in when caring for their parents. If I had the chance, I would go again."

The course is designed to introduce and examine strategies implemented in Japan in response to issues and challenges surrounding its rapidly aging population. Students explore the strengths and limitations of strategies that Japan has incorporated expanding their perspectives on interventions for other aging countries, including the United States.

“Taking students on study-abroad trips is important for their educational and personal development,” said Inoue. "It enriches their academic experience, enhances cultural competence, and prepares them for the globalized world. After the program, students often express how cultural exposure facilitated personal growth, professional development, and self-reflection."

Learn more about the Japan - Rise of the Super-Aged Society �鶹��Ƶ-led study abroad.

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Megumi Inoue, PhD

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healthy aging

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‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine?

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:42:29 +0000

‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine? Mary Cunningham Thu, 02/29/2024 - 18:42

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Dr. Cathy Tompkins

Emily Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA

Ageism is a problem in health care, and the World Health Organization Global Report on Ageism points to factors such as increased human life expectancy, declines in birthrates, and the lack of investment to address health inequities among older people as reasons for strategies to eliminate ageism.

Ageism can impact the quality of patient care and be a source of frustration for older patients. Senior Mentor Programs (SMP) are one way to address ageism and improve the quality of care delivered to older patients by better understanding their unique needs, perspectives, and societal contributions.

Intergenerational mentoring programs are beneficial to both young and older people, according to a new study led by Emily Ihara, chair of �鶹��Ƶ’s Department of Social Work, and Catherine Tompkins, the College of Public Health’s Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Affairs, who are co-PIs of �鶹��Ƶ’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.

“The results show the importance of reciprocal relationships, where both young and older people benefit, in addressing ageism in health care,” said Ihara. “The program served to defy existing stereotypes especially for younger medical students who may not have had experience working with older adults. Building relationships with an older mentor helped them to gain a better understanding and much-needed perspective of older people, which will hopefully translate into better provision of care for this population.”

The team from �鶹��Ƶ and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) analyzed the perspectives of older adults (mentors) who participated in a SMP involving first-year medical students. Three themes emerged from the mentors’ responses: generational guidance, volunteerism, and life satisfaction. The responses illustrated how intergenerational mentorship programs can help older adults maintain a desire to promote the well-being of younger generations (such as by volunteering) by providing an opportunity for older adults to form meaningful connections (life satisfaction) and positively influence members of the younger generation (generational guidance). Participants in the study spoke about wanting to help stop health-related discrimination toward older people.

“Do whatever it takes to get medical personnel to treat and understand older adults. We are not wrinkly old babies, which is how a lot of doctors treat us,” said one participant.

The SMP provided older adults the opportunity to have an open conversation with students in the medical field and address the stigma related to caring for older adults. For example, several mentors discussed being treated unfairly or being misunderstood when receiving medical services. The program allowed older adults to connect with students and to pass on advice or experiences that they believe are important to improve patient care. Student responses to the program were analyzed in a different academic paper.

“’Don’t treat us like fragile babies:’ Mentors’ perspectives of an intergenerational mentoring program for medical students” was published online in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships in February 2024. Additional authors include �鶹��Ƶ undergraduate student Vianey Velazquez-Dominguez; three �鶹��Ƶ Master of Social Work alumni—Harveen Pantleay from Loudoun County Schools; Kendall Barrett from Wise Mind Psychotherapy; and Madeline Holden from Wesley Housing Development Corporation; and Kimberly Ivey, Leland Waters, and Sarah A. Marrs from VCU.

This work was supported by the Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [grant number U1QHP28744], Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.

Thumbnail photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.

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Older Adults

Intergenerational Education

Older Adults

New program reduces burnout in dementia caregivers, novel research evaluation proves

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Innovative Evaluation Methods

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George �鶹��Ƶ and King’s College London win Google Award to fight AI-driven romance scams targeting older adults

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The brain may not be a muscle, but it still needs exercise

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$3 million National Institute on Aging grant will provide much-needed support to underserved dementia caregivers

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Grand Challenge Initiative

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Helping older adults embrace AI and emerging technologies with a National Science Foundation grant

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For older adults, extreme heat can mean life or death

In This Story

Why are heat-related illnesses particularly dangerous for older adults?

How do common heat-related illnesses manifest differently among seniors?

What are some early warning signs to look out for?

Top 10 Tips to keep older adults safe and healthy in extreme heat

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George �鶹��Ƶ students travel to Japan to learn about international approaches to supporting older adults

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‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine?

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