Loneliness Epidemic? Intergenerational Solutions That Actually Work

with Lauren Feyh,

Instructor of Practice, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences Division, The Ohio State University College of Medicine; Co-Director/Co-Founder GrowIN - Intergenerational Community Programming

Loneliness Epidemic? Intergenerational Solutions That Actually Work
This week on The Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins talks with educator and intergenerational innovator Lauren Feyh about her journey from CNA to licensed nursing home administrator, instructor at Ohio State, and co-founder of the nonprofit GrowIN. They explore what truly makes an intergenerational (IG) program—intentional, mutual relationships rather than one-sided “entertainment”—and discuss initiatives like Grow In, Arise, and Age Up that address loneliness, build community, and prepare a more age-informed workforce. Lauren shares insights from Ohio State’s Program 60 Plus on the importance of lifelong learning, challenges common misconceptions and ageism around what aging looks like, and explains how intergenerational strategies can benefit both older and younger people, who also face high levels of isolation. She also reflects on her doctoral work in higher education, parenting a young child, and how being intentional about relationships across generations can shape healthier, more age-friendly communities.
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Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Lauren’s Path From Grandparents to Gerontology and CNA Work (2:00)
  • How Hands-On Caregiving Shapes Lauren’s Teaching Approach (4:30)
  • What Makes True Intergenerational Programming and Why It Matters Now (5:38)
  • Why “Entertaining Seniors” Is Not Real Intergenerational Service (10:22)
  • Lifelong Learning After 60 and Ohio State’s Program 60 Plus (13:30)
  • Connecting Doctoral Work in Higher Education to Aging and Workforce Needs (16:11)
  • Launching Chirp and Bridging Research and Real-World IG Practice (19:31)
  • How Arise Was Created and What It Reveals About Storytelling and Community (22:18)
  • Misconceptions About Aging, Healthcare, and What “Normal” Aging Looks Like (29:11)
  • Age Up, Workforce Development, and Training a More Age-Ready Workforce (31:37)
  • One Thing Listeners Can Do Today to Build Cross-Generational Connections (38:22)
  • How to Connect With Lauren and Learn More About Grow In (39:22)
  • Lauren’s Reflections on Her Own Aging, Doctoral Journey, and Role Models (40:38)
  • Closing Reflections on Resilience, Optimism, and Aging Abundantly (44:04)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

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