Eldera: The New Global Intergenerational Mentoring Program
Why the pandemic has made it more valuable for older adults and kids
By
When S. Jay Olshansky, 66, a professor of public health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, virtually met math and science whiz Hyunseung Lee, 11, in May, something "sparked," he says. "It was special. He just reminded me of myself at that age," Olshansky adds.
Credit: Eldera
Olshansky, a renowned authority on gerontology and increasing healthspans, was connected with Lee, who lives outside of Seoul, South Korea, through Eldera, a new, free global mentorship program. Eldera pairs adults 60 and over with kids — mostly between 8 and 13 — to nurture and boost intergenerational relationships.