Miami (September 2026) – Independent Living Systems (ILS), a leading provider of person-centered health and social care solutions for vulnerable populations,is celebrating the successful completion of its Bridging Generations Intergenerational Pilot Program, an innovative initiative designed to bring older adults and youth together through shared experiences that promote connection, understanding, and personal growth.

Developed by Elsy Gonzalez, Director of Aging Network Programs at ILS, the pilot program was conducted from July through August 2026 at the Fontainebleau Senior Center, one of ILS’s Congregate Meal Sites funded through the Older Americans Act. The initiative engaged approximately 85 seniors and student volunteers in a series of social, recreational, and educational activities aimed at building meaningful intergenerational relationships.

Throughout the month-long program, student volunteers, including several teenage children of ILS employees, contributed nearly 200 volunteer hours while participating alongside older adults in activities such as bingo, dominoes, arts and crafts, field trips aboard ILS transportation vehicles, and conversations that encouraged participants to share their experiences, perspectives, and life lessons.

At the conclusion of the pilot, surveys were conducted with both older adult participants and student volunteers to evaluate satisfaction and overall impact. Feedback from both groups was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the experience as engaging, rewarding, and meaningful.

“At Independent Living Systems, we believe health and well-being are shaped not only by access to care, but also by meaningful human connection,” said Nestor Plana, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Living Systems. “Programs like Bridging Generations help address one of the greatest challenges facing older adults today – social isolation, while creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and develop a deeper understanding of their communities. The success of this pilot demonstrates the power of bringing generations together in ways that enrich lives on both sides.”

Older adult participants reported increased social engagement and valued the opportunity to connect with younger generations through shared experiences. Student volunteers highlighted improvements in communication skills, patience, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of older adults. Many also reported a strengthened sense of community involvement and personal growth.

The program’s success aligns with growing national efforts to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation and loneliness are significant public health concerns linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and premature death.

“Bridging Generations began as a simple idea rooted in a belief that older adults and young people have so much to learn from one another,” said Gonzalez. “What started as an opportunity to bring students and seniors together became weeks of laughter, creativity, and meaningful connections. Seeing those relationships form across generations was more rewarding than I could have imagined.”

The positive outcomes demonstrated through the Bridging Generations pilot underscore the value of community-based programs that connect people across age groups, creating opportunities for learning, support, and lasting relationships.

About Independent Living Systems

Independent Living Systems (ILS) is a Miami-based healthcare services company and the largest Latino-owned healthcare company in the United States. ILS and its subsidiaries — Florida Community Care and Florida Complete Care — provide comprehensive, person-centered managed care solutions for Medicare, Medicaid, and Dual-Eligible populations, with a focus on vulnerable communities. In addition to serving members in Florida, ILS also supports health plans and providers in California through care management and population health services that improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Media Contacts
Lucio Guerrero
(786) 761-3255
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