Connecting boomers with zoomers

District topic

This is a simple idea, but a smart one—bringing people from different generations together to talk, share stories, and learn from each other. Outside a coffee shop near Boston University, a bright yellow payphone invites students to “Call a Boomer.” More than 2,000 miles away in Reno, a matching phone in a senior housing community reads “Call a Zoomer.” Pick up either one, and you’re instantly connected.

The project, created by Matter Neuroscience, is meant to ease loneliness and open up conversations between young adults and seniors. It’s a small setup, but it shows how willing people are to connect across differences when given the chance.

Slipstream

This is a wonderful idea. I hope this kind of thing catches on because both generations benefit. Thanks for the post.

Well Street

When talking about her grown grandchildren, the woman insinuated they feel that "Grandma isn't important anymore." I hope the call she received from the Zoomer made her feel a little better.

It's possible that, for the Zoomers, this is the first phone they've used that isn't cellular.

Bootstrap

You're right. First time talking on an "old-fashioned" phone.