South Shore podcast aims to bridge gap between young people, seniors
A podcast at the South Shore YMCA in Bridgewater is bridging the gap between young people and seniors in the community. Scarlett Hill, a 16-year-old participant in the youth leadership program, believes that connecting with older individuals can have a positive impact on both age groups.
The podcast project, which involves more than a dozen youths aged 12 to 18, began in the fall. The participants started by interviewing a 94-year-old woman, and have since continued to engage with seniors in the community. Kim Whitman-Mansfield, the youth director at the Southwest YMCA, notes that the youths have been able to build rapport with the seniors and discover commonalities that transcend generational differences.
Karen Anthony, a 65-year-old volunteer who was interviewed for the podcast, found the experience to be a meaningful way to offer mentorship to younger individuals. She believes in the importance of intergenerational connections and sharing wisdom with the next generation.
The youths have taken on various responsibilities for the podcast, including conducting interviews and editing recordings. They are collaborating with local senior organizations to find additional individuals to interview as they continue to develop the project.
Hill expresses her hope that the podcast will foster closer bonds within the community, particularly in rural areas where connections can be more challenging to establish. By showcasing the interactions between young people and seniors, the project aims to promote unity and understanding among community members.
The podcast is a testament to the power of communication and shared experiences in bringing people together across different age groups. It serves as a platform for storytelling, mentorship, and mutual learning, highlighting the value of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
