The Senior to Senior program: Connecting undergraduate students and older adults for weekly chats

Abstract

This study investigated the “Senior to Senior” program, which connected undergraduate students with older adults for weekly chats. Older adults’ well-being was assessed at pretest and post-test; they also provided feedback on the program. We found a significant decrease in older adults’ loneliness and depressive symptoms and a significant increase in life satisfaction; they were overwhelmingly positive about the program. Students’ summaries of weekly chats were coded thematically; older adults mostly talked about their life story, the self, and their current activities. Students reported on their research beliefs and views on older adults at pretest and post-test. Students increased their research self-efficacy, belief that research was important for their careers, and empathy for older adults. They decreased in research anxiety and ageism. This study offers support from multiple lines of evidence that a friendly caller program can be implemented by students with meaningful gains for both older adults and students.

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