Bridging Generations, Building Connection
Sages & Seekers is an intergenerational program that brings teenagers and older adults together for guided conversations and shared storytelling. Through structured sessions, participants build meaningful relationships, foster mutual understanding, and learn from one another’s life experiences.
Since 2023, JFSLA and Sages & Seekers have seen the program flourish at the Jona Goldrich Multipurpose Center on Fairfax. Over six to eight weeks, adults over 60, known as Sages, are paired with UCLA freshmen, the Seekers, for weekly conversations focused on thoughtfully selected themes such as emotions, identity, and life transitions.
“Our mission is to bring together teens and older adults to develop empathy for one another and ultimately challenge ageism that can go both ways. The program also helps both generations combat social isolation,” said Rachel Shader, Program Director of Sages & Seekers.
What began as a volunteer requirement for UCLA students grew into something far more transformative. Students confront and shed assumptions about aging as they encounter older adults who are reflective, engaged, and deeply invested in the world around them.
“This program allowed me to see a completely different side of a population that I don’t usually have the chance to connect with,” said Jacob Raleh, a UCLA student. “My match has reminded me of the importance of living life to the fullest and of family. He truly cares about his kids and grandkids and loves when they come to visit. It’s a good reminder to appreciate and make the most of each day.”
For older adults, the impact of the program is equally profound. It provides regular social interaction and something to look forward to each week. Sages often rediscover a sense of purpose and are reminded that their stories matter and that their wisdom carries weight. Many sages are already active participants at the Jona Goldrich Multipurpose Center, while others attend specifically for the program and often discover more aboutJFSLA’s services. One such participant, Gayle Payle, learned about the Sages & Seekers Program through a segment on Spectrum News and decided to get involved.
“I’ve participated in this program for about a year and a half, and I will stay forever,” said Gayle, “One moment that has marked me comes to mind. I worked with a student who was going through a very difficult time. After our first meeting, she really opened up to me. I was careful not to overstep, but I was able to offer a few thoughtful suggestions. She took them to heart and acted on them. Later, she told me she never would have done those things if we hadn’t talked. It truly helped her. I’ll never forget that experience. It meant so much to know I could support her in that way.”
Although there is no requirement for pairs to remain in contact after the formal sessions conclude, many relationships naturally continue.
“I’ve had numerous sages over the years tell me they’ve stayed in touch with their seeker. They communicate regularly through text, phone calls, or FaceTime. Many have even shared that they attended their seeker’s graduation and met their family,” said Rachel Shader. “What’s so meaningful is that our program sparks these deeper, long-lasting relationships that likely wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”
At a time when youth loneliness and elder isolation are both on the rise, this partnership addresses both simultaneously. Through its work with Sages & Seekers, JFSLA is doing more than hosting a program, it is modeling what a community can look like when generations come together with intention.
