Maplewood Senior Living Partners with The Legacy Project to Connect Generations Across the U.S.

Innovative Intergenerational Initiative by Maplewood Senior Living and TLP

Maplewood Senior Living, a leader in luxury senior living, has embarked on an exciting collaboration with The Legacy Project, Inc. (TLP), an initiative aimed at bridging the generational divide through shared experiences and storytelling. This partnership is not just about creating connections; it's about enriching lives and preserving histories.

Originally created at Tufts University, TLP began as a student-led initiative in 2020, founded by Arielle Galinsky, Katherine Furey, and Wanda L. Schlumpf. Its primary goal? To foster meaningful interactions between college students and older adults. This connection allows students to engage deeply with seniors, learning from their experiences while preserving their stories for future generations. In the last few years, TLP has succeeded in forming numerous one-on-one relationships and publishing over 50 life stories, greatly impacting both students and residents alike.

Following its initial success at Maplewood at Weston, Massachusetts, the program expanded to include Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Now, the initiative is set to debut at Inspīr Embassy Row, Maplewood's modern luxury senior living residence located in Washington, D.C., coinciding with a potential collaboration with George Washington University. Here, students will have the opportunity to visit residents weekly for ten weeks, culminating in a publication featuring a compilation of life stories from the residents.

Adena McGowan, Senior Memory Care Director at Maplewood Senior Living, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. “The Legacy Project isn’t just about telling stories; it’s about creating bonds that enrich both students and seniors. As we launch this program at Inspīr Embassy Row, we’re committed to fostering a community where wisdom and perspectives are shared.”

The need for TLP's initiatives has recently gained attention due to alarming statistics on social isolation. Reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine show that nearly 25% of American adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated, while a Harvard study revealed that 61% of young adults reported feelings of loneliness during the pandemic. By connecting different age groups, programs like TLP aim to combat these issues, creating opportunities for impactful human interactions.

Arielle Galinsky, co-founder of TLP, shared her motivation behind launching the program. “Our goal was to amplify older generations' voices and establish real connections between students and seniors. The positive reception from both groups has reinforced our understanding of the crucial role these relationships play in our communities.”

Feedback from participants highlights the depth of these connections. Wanda L. Schlump, another co-founder, recounted her personal experience with Judy, a Maplewood resident. “Our bond transcended the framework of the program—we continue to stay in touch beyond our time together. Each meeting inspired my creativity, and Judy’s wisdom has significantly impacted my life.”

As Maplewood Senior Living and TLP expand their alliance, they invite more universities and senior living communities to join this vital mission. By bridging generations, they not only fight loneliness and isolation but also nurture a vibrant and interconnected community.

To learn more about The Legacy Project or to get involved, visit www.thelegacyproj.org/public. For further details about Maplewood Senior Living, go to www.maplewoodseniorliving.com.

Through these collaborative efforts, Maplewood Senior Living and TLP are not just setting a standard in senior living; they are redefining what it means to be part of a community that truly values intergenerational ties.