Aging In Full Bloom

"Turning Volunteerism Into a Recruitment Platform": "I thought, okay, if I can kind of think of this almost as a recruitment platform and use the students need for volunteer hours, I can find the hidden gems." - Isabella Solano

I am delighted to explore the powerful impact of intergenerational friendships with my guest, Isabella Solano, the inspiring founder of Herralink.

Isabella's nonprofit initiative in Northern Virginia connects high school students with seniors in various communities to build meaningful friendships and combat loneliness.

We talk about how Herralink started, the personal motivation driving Isabella's mission, and the growing positive outcomes for both young volunteers and seniors.

Learn about the importance of connection and how fostering these relationships can not only enrich lives but also change how we perceive the aging process.

Key Moments

00:00 Finding Joy in Nursing Home Visits

05:48 Seniors: Forgotten and Isolated

09:07 Senior Community Activity Collaboration

12:39 Intergenerational Benefits and Loneliness Solutions

14:42 "Real Connection Over Digital Illusions"

16:45 "Embracing Aging Positively"

Here are three key takeaways that really stood out:

• Empathy and Connection: By participating in activities like bingo or arts and crafts, students and seniors become genuine friends, fostering empathy and understanding across generations.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Through volunteering, young people gain invaluable life skills. These interactions teach young individuals to communicate beyond digital screens, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
• The Ripple Effect of Friendship: Students carry these experiences forward, learning the importance of community involvement and how small acts of kindness can combat loneliness and improve well-being.

Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at [email protected]

Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.

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Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale

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Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale

Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.