Through a growing number of collaborations, Vivalon is bridging generations and building mutual respect, learning, and connection between students and older adults. From high school tech tutors to nursing students and graduate-level therapy interns, these relationships prove that when generations come together, community is deepened and everyone benefits.
High School Students: Bridging Generations and the Digital Divide
For Branson School junior Sidney Kawahara, volunteering as a tech tutor at Vivalon was a chance to connect with older generations and empower them along the way. “I’ve seen how technology can feel overwhelming for older adults, but it also opens up a world of connection and convenience,” she said.
Through one-on-one tutoring, Sidney helped participants navigate iPhones, download apps, and use features like camera translation tools. “Working with older adults reinforced the importance of patience and perseverance,” she reflected. “I was impressed by my clients’ willingness to keep showing up and learning.”
She also found unexpected joy in the relationships she built. “Hearing their life stories created meaningful connections that went way beyond tech tutoring.”
Sidney’s classmate Alexandra “Xandra” Sebastiani took her experience a step further. After volunteering in the tech tutoring program, she launched Bridging Generations, a four-week intergenerational dinner series that invited older adults and teens to explore themes such as ageism, technology, social issues, and life lessons.
“I wanted to challenge what teenagers and older adults think about one another and bust through those stereotypes through meaningful connection. I hope both groups walk away with a broader sense of perspective.”
The experience left a personal mark as well. “I realized I’m in charge of creating my own sense of connection by being open, curious, and asking questions.”
College Students: Nursing Students Support Health and Wellbeing
Dominican University nursing students also bring their knowledge and hearts to Vivalon. As part of her community health coursework, senior nursing student Lisa Isley helped organize a community-wide Health Fair at the Healthy Aging Campus.
The event brought together 15 nursing students, community partners like the Buck Institute and Lions Club, and dozens of older adults who engaged in screenings, educational sessions, tips on nutrition, and wellness demos, with student health educators participating to provide dialogue and insight.
“Holding a Health Fair at Vivalon felt different from being in a classroom,” Lisa said. “I saw how good people feel when they’re part of a caring community. Vivalon isn’t just a place where older adults access services; it’s a place where they truly belong.”
Lisa and her classmates also support Vivalon’s falls prevention classes, partnering with Professor Dr. Kendra Hepper and Vivalon staff to lead sessions that not only teach prevention strategies but also reduce the stigma around falling.
“I’m inspired to help older adults see the power of community—the support, friendship, and sense of belonging that come from being part of a group of peers,” Lisa shared.
Graduate Students: Exploring Life’s Deeper Layers Through Group Therapy
Each week, a small group of older adults gathers for the Ageless Inspiration Support Group, led by therapy interns Anne Johnson and Benjamin Fisher from the Community Institute for Psychotherapy (CIP). These sessions offer space for participants to explore grief, loneliness, family dynamics, caregiving, and purpose in later life.
Anne, who was inspired to pursue group work after living at the Esalen Institute, says she’s honored to hold space for the group’s reflections. “There’s such honesty and depth. One participant realized during a gardening discussion that the ‘plants won’t get watered anymore’ – and that moment turned into a deeper conversation about loss and acceptance.”
Ben, a former PhD scholar turned therapist, has found unexpected meaning in group facilitation. “People often surprise themselves with what they’re ready to share. After years of not having a space to express these feelings, the group allows that to happen.”
Ben points to the resonance that naturally unfolds: “Even when someone has a spouse or grandchildren, they can feel like no one really understands what they are going through. When someone else says, ‘me too,’ it’s deeply validating.”
CIP’s Assistant Clinical Director, Cindy Jepsen, says that while mental health support for older adults is too often overlooked, groups like these help fill a gap. “These participants are vibrant and wise, but they also face deep loneliness and grief,” she said. “Ageism, cultural stigma, and a lack of targeted resources can leave older adults feeling isolated and invisible. What’s beautiful about Vivalon is that it creates the space for healing, and for students like Anne and Ben to grow alongside the people they’re serving.”
Everyone Benefits
Each of these partnerships is mutually transformative. Students gain hands-on experience, develop empathy, and challenge assumptions about aging. Older adults receive not just services, but also connection, respect, and the joy of meaningful exchange.
As high school student Xandra Sebastiani put it, “We all just want to be seen. Building a more connected life starts with being open and curious. It’s not as hard as we think to make a friend – even one whose life looks very different from ours.”
At Vivalon, that simple truth is creating powerful ripples across generations.
