New Study Finds Intergenerational Meals on Wheels Program Improves Attitudes Toward Aging

NIDE-published research also identifies gains in life satisfaction and social connection among participating older adults

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  , Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New research published by the National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE), a national organization advancing dementia education, research, professional development and dementia certification across the United States, found improvements in attitudes toward aging among younger volunteers participating in an intergenerational program with older Meals on Wheels clients, while also identifying positive trends in life satisfaction and loneliness among participating older adults.

The study, Lessons Learned From the Intergenerational Tellegacy Program With Meals on Wheels Clients and Volunteers: A Reflective Analysis, evaluated an eight-week program pairing older adults receiving Meals on Wheels services with younger volunteers for structured conversations and relationship-building activities.

Among participating volunteers, 89% demonstrated improvements in attitudes toward aging. Among the 13 participating older adults, 69.2% showed improvements in life satisfaction, while approximately 39% experienced reductions in loneliness during the program period.

"These findings reinforce the importance of looking beyond service delivery alone and considering the role meaningful human connection can play in aging services," said Joshua J. Freitas, Ph.D., Chief Education Officer and Board Chair of the National Institute for Dementia Education. "Intergenerational programs create an opportunity not only to support older adults, but also to help shape more informed and positive perspectives on aging across generations."

The Tellegacy program incorporated structured conversations into Meals on Wheels interactions, with participants discussing life experiences, personal history and meaningful memories. The conversations ultimately contributed to individualized legacy books documenting participants' stories.

Researchers reported high satisfaction among both groups, with 85% of participating older adults and approximately 90% of volunteers reporting satisfaction with the program.

The findings may have implications for Meals on Wheels organizations, aging-service providers, universities, volunteer organizations and community-based programs seeking practical approaches to social isolation, intergenerational engagement and perceptions of aging.

Researchers noted that the study included a small sample and no control group and recommended larger studies involving more diverse populations and longer-term follow-up.

The publication was authored by Jeremy Holloway, Jodi L. Southerland, Steffie Kim, Owais Sayeed, Denise Johnson and Juanita-Dawne Bacsu.

About the National Institute for Dementia Education

The National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE) is a national organization dedicated to advancing dementia education, research, professional development and certification while supporting healthcare professionals, caregivers, families and communities navigating dementia and aging.

Through education, certification, research and community partnerships, NIDE works to strengthen evidence-informed, person-centered approaches to dementia care while providing practical knowledge and resources for both professionals and families throughout the dementia journey.

Read the Study

Lessons Learned From the Intergenerational Tellegacy Program With Meals on Wheels Clients and Volunteers: A Reflective Analysis

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23018824

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SOURCE National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE)