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

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.