Connecting generations: Anika Kumar’s fight against elderly isolation

(October 22, 2024) At 15, Anika Kumar’s world shifted when she volunteered at an assisted living facility in San Jose, California. There, she met Abigail, an 87-year-old woman who lived in quiet isolation, her voice unheard despite numerous requests for basic assistance. Abigail’s story wasn’t just about the loss of dignity in her daily struggles — it represented the widespread issue of social isolation among seniors, an issue often ignored.

Abigail’s resignation to her situation deeply impacted Anika Kumar. This wasn’t just a personal challenge; it was a growing public health crisis. Abigail’s helplessness showed how widespread ageism and social isolation can be for elderly people. That single encounter laid the foundation for Forget Me Not, a nonprofit designed to combat loneliness among older adults through weekly phone calls with teenage volunteers. These calls, simple yet impactful, aim to build meaningful connections and forge lasting intergenerational bonds.

Forget Me Not: Bridging the Generational Gap

Founded in 2015, Forget Me Not operates with a clear goal: to provide companionship to isolated older adults, many of whom are referred through partner organisations such as Meals on Wheels. The organisation pairs seniors with high school volunteers, training them to make weekly phone calls. Anika was only 15 when she started the nonprofit while volunteering at an assisted living facility. She added that the conversations between the elderly and student volunteers are “meaningful, rewarding, refreshing and touching. The elderly talk about their interests, hobbies, families, bygone days, childhood, favourite books and movies.”

Anika Kumar

Calling herself a perpetuator of ageism like many Gen Z, Anika too wasn’t keen on interacting with senior citizens until a high school community service requirement that forced her to start volunteering at one changed her perspective. “I realised how ignorant I had been in my thinking. At that nursing home, I met a World War II veteran, a former professor at my university, a college football player and the first teen female Bay Area radio host. I met some of the most genuine kind wise and dynamic people I had ever met and the stories they told me. It opened me up to a whole world of truly meaningful interaction that I hope to continue for the rest of my life,” she told Global Indian.

With the elderly population growing and social isolation on the rise, Forget Me Not addresses a critical need. These weekly calls became even more crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits were restricted, leaving many seniors more isolated than ever before.

Based in San Jose, Forget Me Not is more than just a phone call program — it’s the product of careful research and strategic planning. She didn’t build her intergenerational nonprofit overnight. Inspired by her firsthand experience with elderly isolation, she “delved deep into ageism-related issues, studying the mental health impacts of depression and loneliness on seniors.” To refine her vision, she spoke with geriatricians and elder care experts, making sure that Forget Me Not could effectively tackle the rising public health crisis of social isolation.

Teenagers Making a Difference

In a time where teens are often criticised for being glued to their phones or disconnected from reality, Anika and her peers turned technology into a tool for good. By using something as simple as a phone call, they built connections and shattered stereotypes of both the elderly and the youth. Teen volunteers undergo training to help them navigate conversations and handle emotional challenges. The result is an exchange that goes beyond small talk — it’s about building trust, understanding, and a sense of purpose on both sides.

For the seniors, these calls are a lifeline, providing an outlet to share their lives and experiences, while the teenagers gain a new perspective on aging and life’s challenges. “Forget Me Not is a perfect example of how one person’s idea can create ripples of change, connecting communities and providing a solution to an often overlooked issue.”

The Importance of Cultural Connections

Anika’s journey is also deeply rooted in her Indian heritage. As a young Indian American in San Jose, Anika Kumar is part of a thriving Indian community in the Bay Area, where many Indian Americans have made significant contributions across sectors. The Indian diaspora in the Bay Area is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and its active role in technology, education, and social causes.

San Jose, and the wider Bay Area, are home to a large and vibrant Indian community. Like many in the diaspora, Anika Kumar grew up balancing her cultural identity with her desire to give back to her local community. The intergenerational bonds she has fostered through Forget Me Not reflect this duality —honouring the wisdom of elders while empowering the youth to step up and take on leadership roles.

A Growing Movement

Today, Forget Me Not has grown from a local initiative in Santa Clara County to a nationwide program, with plans for further expansion. The organisation continues to partner with schools and senior care organisations across the country, aiming to combat social isolation on a larger scale. Anika’s vision is clear: to create a world where older adults are valued, and where young people are given the opportunity to connect with them in meaningful ways.

The pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, but it also highlighted the importance of Forget Me Not’s mission. With so many seniors cut off from physical interactions, the program’s phone calls became a crucial support system. As the world moves forward, Forget Me Not remains committed to expanding its reach, ensuring that no senior is left feeling invisible or forgotten.

Indian Diaspora: An Integral Force in the Bay Area

Anika Kumar’s story is part of a larger narrative of Indian Americans making a difference in the Bay Area. The Indian diaspora in San Francisco and San Jose has long been a key player in the region’s success. From entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley to leaders in education and social justice, Indian Americans have carved out spaces of influence, and they continue to give back to both their local communities and their homeland.

For young changemakers like Anika, who is an undergraduate research assistant at Brooks Lab, being part of the diaspora means blending cultural heritage with a passion for making a difference. Forget Me Not is not just about bridging generational gaps—it’s about fostering a deeper sense of community, one that transcends age, ethnicity, and borders.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach

With the overwhelming success of Forget Me Not, Anika has ambitious plans for the future. She envisions the organization expanding its reach to even more states and communities. The goal is simple: no senior should ever feel alone, and no teenager should miss the chance to learn from someone with decades of life experience.

Forget Me Not is proof of what can happen when empathy meets action. Anika’s journey, from a high school volunteer to a nonprofit leader, is a validation that one person can indeed make a difference. And for the seniors who receive those weekly calls, the impact is clear—connection, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose.

• Follow Anika Kumar on LinkedIn