Teen rejection sparked a 500-student movement connecting youth with elderly

Jiya Joshi's journey into senior care began after the loss of her grandmother, which inspired her to connect with elderly individuals. At age 14, she was initially rejected when she attempted to volunteer at a nursing home. Undeterred, she independently organized visits to seniors, turning her personal initiative into a structured program. This effort grew into Young and Old United, a platform that pairs young people with isolated elderly individuals. The movement has since expanded to over 500 students and has positively impacted thousands of seniors.