Adults 60+ Needed to Mentor Younger Generations in New State Initiative

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) and Eldera have announced a statewide recruitment drive inviting Californians age 60 and older to support youth (ages 6–17) through weekly, virtual conversations that build resilience, reduce loneliness and strengthen communities.

The partnership advances the California’s Master Plan for Aging goal to create a California for all ages and abilities by 2030.

Under the initiative, adults 60+ can enroll now, complete brief training and a background check, and be matched with a young person for a 30–60-minute video conversation once a week.

Eldera manages recruitment, vetting, matching, program support and safety, including an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chaperone designed to help keep conversations safe and meaningful. Meanwhile, CCoA mobilizes Area Agencies on Aging and community networks statewide.

“California’s Master Plan for Aging calls for a state where all generations thrive together,” said David Lindeman, chair of California Commission on Aging. "This partnership turns that vision into action at scale."

“Age is California’s most underused natural resource,” said Dana Griffin, co-founder and CEO of Eldera. “Together, we can match life experience with young curiosity, safely, quickly and with benefits for every generation.

“As more of life moves online and AI becomes ubiquitous, young people need consistent human connection, someone who sees them, hears them and shows up," Griffin said.

"Human connection requires a human, and our most untapped resource is adults over 60 with a little extra time, wisdom and a desire to do good,” he added.

For more information or to volunteer, visit Eldera.ai.