Based on the growing research about the role of arts and storytelling in addressing social isolation, we created the Draw YOUR Story program to foster connections between students and older adults. The goal is that medical learners will dismantle negative stereotypes associated with aging and apply their experiences to older adults they encounter in health care, and older adults will develop social connections and lessen feelings of isolation. We aim to evaluate the impact of the program on both groups.

Older adults in residential communities face loneliness and isolation, challenges exacerbated by COVID-19, leading to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Intergenerational arts and humanities programs have been successful in addressing these challenges while also enabling medical learners to better understand aging populations and those experiencing cognitive changes.

Student surveys (n = 18) showed increased comfort working with older adults after volunteering (p = 0.02). Students who spent less time volunteering reported a decline in their perceptions of older adult quality of life, when compared to more frequent volunteers (p = 0.02). Older adults shared that the program encouraged learning new skills, offered time for reflection, connected them to medicine, and furthered desire for community.