At AAYA’s Memory Makers, we believe in the profound impact of intergenerational connections—especially when it comes to caring for those living with dementia. Volunteering at a dementia care center offers high school students not only the chance to brighten someone’s day, but also to develop compassion, communication, and emotional intelligence that will shape them for life.

Research has shown that regular sensory stimulation—engaging the five senses—can help slow the progression of dementia symptoms. Whether volunteers are chatting with residents, playing an instrument, sharing a craft, or simply holding a hand, they provide meaningful moments of connection that stimulate memory, comfort, and joy.

High school volunteers also offer something unique: their youthfulness often triggers a parental sense of responsibility in residents, striking maternal or paternal chords that awaken a sense of purpose. This bond creates powerful, emotional interactions that not only comfort residents but also help preserve their sense of identity.

For high schoolers, these experiences go beyond service hours. They gain patience, empathy, and confidence in their ability to connect with others, even across generational and cognitive barriers. They also develop a deeper understanding of aging, memory loss, and the importance of compassion in care. These invaluable life lessons will not only shape their character but also enrich their personal growth and future relationships.

Through Memory Makers, both volunteers and residents walk away with something priceless—a sense of connection, purpose, and the knowledge that every moment, no matter how small, can leave a lasting impact.