Published
December 1, 2025
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DOROT offers countless ways for older adults to connect, either with their peers or with volunteers. But many older adults have discovered the joy of connecting with teens—and say it’s brough fun and meaning to their lives.
“When you talk to the kids, it’s just so rich and surprising,” says Viviane Topp, one of several older adults who’s participated in DOROT’s intergenerational programs for many years.
Another older adult, Roz Raskin, calls these experiences “a fabulous way to meet the other parts of humanity and enjoy yourself.”
One secret to the programs’ success is that they bring older adults and teens together as equals. The older adults are not there as instructors or parent figures, and the teens are not there to be judged. “It’s a free zone—people are open to sharing who they are,” explains Adele Dresner, a longtime older adult participant.
Watch: When Generations Connect
Hundreds of older adults and teens take part in DOROT’s intergenerational programs every year. There are sessions both in person and online, and participants can choose the kinds of activities they like—from word games and theatre workshops to dumpling making, chess, and discussions of world affairs.
There’s also an option for two or three teens to make weekly visits to an older adult’s home over the course of several weeks. Adele, who participates in this program, marvels at the experience. “The conversations I have with these young women are amazing.”
It turns out that teens are as enthusiastic about these connections as adults. “We have more similarities than I would have ever expected,” says Elsa, a high school participant.
“There’s so much to learn from them,” another teen, Angelo, explains. Angelo was profiled on National Public Radio along with older adult Andrea Levitt in a feature about intergenerational programs. Before experiencing the programs, he expected that it would be him helping the older adults. But at DOROT, he discovered something different. Interacting with older adults, “you get to learn a lot about somebody else and also, like, keep their stories with you. You can even learn from their experiences and get really great advice.”
Beyond the fun and conversation, intergenerational programs address a serious issue. In the U.S., teens and young adults, as well as older adults, are at high risk for social isolation and loneliness. Research shows that giving them an opportunity to connect can be a powerful antidote.
For their part, older adults tell us that interacting with teens helps them stay open and passionate about life. “It keeps me green,” says Dan Joiner. “I’m not getting brittle—I’m growing.”
Are you age 65+? Explore DOROT’s intergenerational programs.