A 99 year-old woman from British Columbia has formed an unlikely inter-generational friendship with a high school student thanks to a program that aims to connect the elderly with young people.

When Myrtle MacDonald, 99, learned of a local program that was helping people who feel isolated during the pandemic build connections with others, she knew she had to sign up. The program paired up Myrtle and 17 year-old Jaelyn Bjornerud-Brown because they shared a common interest in nursing.

“I just found her more interested and less in a hurry than I expected. It has filled an empty spot,” Myrtle told CBC.

For the high schoolers involved in the program, they can use the time they spend with the senior citizens as volunteer hours that they need for graduation. They must spend at least 30 minutes a week speaking to their senior, but many, including Jaelyn, go way beyond that.

“I love and look forward to getting to talk to her every week. [We talk] about an hour and 15 minutes, the time just goes by so quickly,” Jaelyn said.

Myrtle is a former nurse and teacher who travelled all over the world helping those in need. Jaelyn has found the stories that Myrtle has told her to be inspiring, and they’ve changed her views on her own future.

“In high school they kind of say you go to school, you get a job, you have kids,” Jaelyn explained. “It’s a linear thing [but] talking to her has made me realize I don’t have to limit myself to one thing. I can have it all.”

The Compassionate Neighbourhood Health Partners Society said that the program has been a huge success among senior and high school students alike. Seniors have been unable to meet with their families as often due to COVID-19, and students have had trouble getting the volunteer hours that they need to graduate, so it’s a win-win for everyone. On top of that, the connections that have been built in this program will never be forgotten by those involved.

“And there’s been a huge positive response from them,” said the program’s organizer Connie Stam. “We have a 94-year-old man connected with a 16-year-old and he is writing his memoir for him. The 16-year-old says it’s just amazing all the stories.”