Echoes Between Ages
A proven intergenerational program connecting high school students with seniors in skilled nursing facilities through storytelling, memory therapy, and meaningful human connection.
About the Program
For over 15 years, Echoes Between Ages has brought together high school juniors and cognitively capable seniors living in skilled nursing facilities. The program pairs two students with a senior resident for eight weekly in-person interview sessions, during which students draw out life stories, cherished memories, and personal experiences.
At the end of the 12-week program, students write and compile these stories into a professionally bound keepsake book — a lasting legacy gift presented to the senior and their family. The result is a powerful experience that combats isolation, stimulates memory, and builds empathy across generations.
Program Focus Areas
Personalized Socialization
Combating isolation by creating meaningful one-on-one connections between generations, fostering genuine relationships that enrich daily life for seniors.
Memory Therapy
Structured storytelling sessions that stimulate cognitive recall, helping seniors revisit and share cherished memories in a supportive environment.
Legacy Storytelling
Each senior's life stories are captured and compiled into a professionally bound keepsake book — a lasting legacy for their family.
Youth Empathy Development
High school students develop deep empathy, communication skills, and respect for older adults through sustained, personal engagement.
Program at a Glance
Years of Proven Success
Weekly In-Person Sessions
Week Total Program Duration
Cost to Participating Facilities
How It Works
Match & Prepare
Two high school juniors are carefully paired with cognitively capable seniors in a skilled nursing facility. Students receive orientation and training on interview techniques and sensitivity.
Interview & Discover
Over eight weekly in-person sessions, students conduct structured yet personal interviews, drawing out life stories, memories, and experiences that define each senior's unique journey.
Celebrate & Share
Students write and compile the stories into a professionally bound keepsake book, presented to the senior and their family at a celebration event — a lasting legacy gift.
Participate at No Cost
If you would like to participate in this program at no cost to your facility, please complete the form below and email a Letter of Support on your facility's stationery to johnwhitman@theTRECSinstitute.org before April 10th.