During the time of year that’s usually filled with family and friends, COVID-19 regulations caused many senior citizens in assisted living facilities to spend their December holidays seeing loved ones through screens.
With concern over the emotional impact that isolation could have, during a Senior Board meeting, the idea emerged of having a “Senior to Senior” program. This plan would allow Ardsley High School seniors to Zoom with the residents living at the Atria Senior Living Community. Before December break, I along with nine other peers met virtually with residents Bernice, Gloria, Sheldon, Lily, and Isabelle. As we talked about holiday traditions, favorite movies, and the best gifts ever received, we gained insight into their incredible life experiences. They were delighted to bring us down memory lane and seemed to relive them like it was yesterday. At the end of our conversation, we began talking about high school and the residents enjoyed reminiscing about old classroom memories, friends, and romances.
It wasn’t just the Atria residents who were left smiling -- the spirits of Ardsley seniors were equally as uplifted. Hearing about their exciting lives has made us eager to hear more and we will be meeting with them weekly! Even after COVID-19, I hope that seniors for years to come will continue this program and eventually proceed to connect in person!
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