Southwestern Pennsylvania will experience a 40% increase in the number of people ages 65+ by 2030, and a 75% increase in people ages 85+ between 2030-2045.

When middle schoolers are paired with older adults through programs in and out of the classroom, their academic performance, family dynamics, peer relationships, and depressive symptoms improve.

Older adults with positive attitudes about aging display better physical, cognitive, and mental health, higher self-efficacy, and lower rates of decline. They are also more likely to engage in preventive health behaviors.

A meta-analysis of studies on the benefit that volunteering has on older adults found it decreases the risk of mortality by more than 20% among adults over 55.

In the United States, negative age stereotypes and self-perceptions are linked to worsening health conditions in older adults, which in turn lead to excess annual costs of $63 billion.

A randomized controlled trial of adults over 60 who volunteered with elementary students found improved reading skills and behavior in the children, and better executive function in adults.