Valeria Gutierrez and Isabella Kennedy 

  Senior citizens often face struggles that the rest of the population doesn’t typically have to face, such as social isolation, chronic illness, or memory issues. In fact, according to a recent survey by AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), one in three senior citizens experience loneliness. These hardships are one of the main reasons why it’s important to help support them. Something as simple as spending time with them can have a visible positive effect, and that’s what MRHS Generational Club is all about. Student members volunteer at senior centers, participating in activities with the seniors there and helping them feel connected and supported. 

   “I decided to join [Generational Club] because I think it’s a really important way to interact with the community, especially because not a lot of people reach out to senior citizens. I think [the club] helps people acknowledge their existence and express their willingness to interact with the community,” junior Aastha Yadava, club secretary, explained.

   The club members are described as welcoming people who use this club as an opportunity to improve and nurture important values in the community around them.

   “The students starting [Generational Club] are great people with good intentions, who I knew would follow through. They are doing actual good in their community,” club sponsor Mr. McLagan shared.

    Ran and founded by president Kate Rim, Generational Club seeks to mitigate the effects these adversities have on the seniors. The club meets, on average, once a month. Their meetings typically consist of making crafts with the seniors or fundraising for causes like Alzheimer’s awareness.

   “We try to volunteer at assisted living and senior centers every month or so. Usually we do one to two fun crafting activities. The point of these activities is to try and build connections with the seniors. We found that the easiest way to address loneliness was by talking to them, interacting with them, listening to them and just sharing a space with them. We also try to make our activities mentally stimulating. A lot of seniors have memory issues or mobility issues, so one way we try to combat that is having some stimulus in the hands. For example, we do a lot of painting, which is a good way to practice motor skills by gripping the paintbrush. For memory, we’ve done origami which requires you to remember all the steps,” junior Kate Rim declared.

   Generational Club brings benefits to both the students and seniors they work with. By making a positive difference in the lives of the elderly around them, they gain experience helping others and develop more interpersonal skills. Volunteering helps build students’ sense of empathy and allows them to develop more understanding for others, two skills that are essential for later life. The club is a place where students can grow these skills and meet new people. 

        “We have a space for anyone and everyone. Last year our club was a bit small, but we made it work. We would love it if more people joined us. I think [Generational Club] teaches you patience, responsibility, and empathy. On a more academic standpoint, we offer a bunch of volunteering opportunities at every one of our school club meetings, and we have out of school meetings as well. Tons of opportunities to grow as a person, and earn volunteer hours,” Rim added.

   For students interested in joining Generational Club, there will be an interest meeting after school this next Wednesday, September 16th, in room 351.