Leveraging AI: Connecting Baby Boomers with Young Mentees in Need

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 24, 08:09 am

Photo: (Photo : Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash)

The power of intergenerational bonding has taken on new dimensions, as a 69-year-old retired corporate meeting planner guides a stressed high school senior, a 79-year-old retired teacher comforts a young child, and a freshly retired 75-year-old businesswoman learns an AI art program to cheer a little student.

Introducing Eldera, an innovative online mentoring platform in the USA that matches seasoned adults (60 years of age and older) with budding youth (between 5 and 18 years of age). The emphasis? Facilitate regular interactions over video calls to forge meaningful connections.

Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic

Dana Griffin, the passionate co-founder and CEO of Eldera, confidently states, "This is our answer to the 'OK Boomer' sentiment." She believes that when individuals of different generations engage on a personal level, they naturally gravitate towards nurturing each other.

Eldera isn't just aiming to quash generational clichés. The platform is combating a more pressing issue: the creeping loneliness epidemic that has enveloped both the young and old, leading to severe health risks. This concern was highlighted by US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, equating the health hazards of loneliness to smoking about 15 cigarettes daily. But Gryphon finds solace in the positive impacts witnessed since Eldera's inception during the pandemic's early days.

The heartwarming tale of Kathleen Zwart and Lara Salem exemplifies Eldera's impact. Zwart, nearing her 70s, eagerly waits for Salem's virtual presence every week.
For Salem, a 17-year-old juggling a myriad of responsibilities, these sessions provide solace. Zwart's decades of experience offer Salem a unique perspective that she cherishes. With Zwart's encouragement, Salem not only faced academic challenges head-on but also secured her first job. Despite the geographical distance between Zwart in Jacksonville and Salem in Miami, their connection knows no bounds.

Safety and AI in Eldera

Dana Griffin's vision extends beyond current numbers, hoping to position every child in the US with a seasoned mentor. She fondly recalls her upbringing by her grandparents in Transylvania and wishes to instill the value of elderly wisdom in today's generation.

Her platform paints a vivid picture of a "virtual village with a human soul." Launched in March 2020, Eldera served as a beacon of connection during isolating times. It continues to be relevant as it fine-tunes its AI-driven matching process, ensuring the safety of interactions. Eldera's human-centric approach, where AI plays a supportive role, is paramount. With continuous input from its community of mentors and mentees, Eldera is shaping up to be a beacon of holistic growth.

The stories emerging from Eldera are endless and poignant. Like the tale of Constance Morton Belsi, a retired teacher who was deeply moved by her 6-year-old mentee's fears stemming from recent school shootings. Or Andrew Weinrich, a retiree who discovered the educational and fun aspects of video games through his mentee. And Karen Korman, who is venturing into the world of AI-driven art to bond with her young mentee.

In a world where technology often divides, Eldera's platform emerges as a unifying force, harnessing the wisdom of the elderly to guide, comfort, and inspire the younger generation. With its mission to counteract the loneliness epidemic and bridge generational divides, Eldera stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connections.