What type of people would you expect to see from a high school? If you expected a class full of energetic and young students, you would be right on. Many teenagers and soon-to-be adolescents are the backbone of high school, with the help and support of teachers. Beyond the high schools, there are a lot more people in the community, including the beloved senior citizens.
The senior citizens are the furthest apart from the youth due to the difference in time and the significant generational gaps. A group of students, with a passion to help people, came together with an emphasis on assisting patients of various ages within Chino Hills. They established themselves as the Bridge of Ages.
Founded by President Matthew Kim (11), he and his club representatives create connections between the older and younger generations, as well as empower people with health and wellness awareness.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a lasting connection between the younger and older generations while promoting health and wellness for seniors, empowering them to live healthier and happier lives,” Vice President Isaac Lee (11) said.
With a great emphasis on the elderly, they recognize the importance of their focus is centered around the elderly’s reliance on others to live increases as they grow older. The bridge not only connects high school students to another generation, but it also supports them in any way possible.
“[This club] spotlights health issues in senior citizens and provides a supportive community dedicated to promoting wellness and unique health challenges,” Kim said.
Representatives of the club shine a spotlight on the potential health issues of the elderly to students who are interested in helping the senior community. Beyond the classroom, Bridge of Ages makes an effort to visit and connect with the various age ranges, such as seniors in retirement homes, and often with their peers
“We go to retirement homes,” Treasurer Daniel Choi (10) said. “Then we write cards, we talk about what they’ve been through, we reassure them. That’s what we do.”
More recently, the Bridge of Ages has reached out to a retirement community, planning to do fun activities with the elderly. The club went to different centers, where they got to collaborate and host fun activities with them.
“Recently, we went to an elderly center in Irvine, and we worked with the memory care center,” Kim said. “We [collaborated] with the elderly to make gratitude trees for Thanksgiving.”
Bridge of Ages has allowed the members to gain memorable experiences, where both the students and the elderly get to bond through hearing the many stories of the present and the past. At the same time, the club also learns about how the older generations live their lives with serious health conditions, which provides insight into their world.
“It was interesting hearing about their experiences and how they deal with Alzheimer’s and [conditions] like that,” Kim said.
The club is not only a showcase to shine light on different groups of ages, but it also creates an educational and fun environment at each meeting. Students are greeted with an engaging presentation, followed by many activities that give prizes and treats.
“A typical meeting for our club begins with a few minutes for everyone to arrive and take a seat. We then discuss a topic, often using slides to guide the conversation. We also include fun activities, like Kahoot games, and end by passing out snacks for everyone to enjoy,” Lee said.
The Bridge of Ages is more than just a club that supports all generations; instead, it’s a community. They have a welcoming atmosphere when it comes to presenting the club, and everyone is friendly.
“They’re all my friends. They’re easy to talk to, and they’re all friendly people,” Choi said.
The Bridge of Ages will continue to build more “bridges” for the youth to meet up with the wide range of generations in the community. Students are not there to just learn, support, and connect with the elderly, but to also build long-lasting memories.
