Pillar 3: Deepening Social Connections: How Experience Becomes Community
As we age, our roles may change, but our value never diminishes. In fact, the insight, patience, and lived experience that older adults carry can be exactly what someone else needs to feel grounded, supported, and welcomed.
That belief is at the heart of our upcoming collaborative event on February 27, 2026, hosted with our partners at First Born Program of Los Alamos.
Bridging Generations, Strengthening Community
This special gathering will bring together older adults and new parents, many of whom are new to Los Alamos and are still searching for a sense of belonging. Parenting young children is joyful, but it can also be isolating, especially when family is far away or an established support system is lacking.
At the same time, many older adults are looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged, to share their knowledge, and to continue contributing to the community they care about.
It’s not about “having all the answers.” It’s about showing up, listening, and offering presence—something older adults do exceptionally well.
The Power of Mentorship at Any Age
Becoming a mentor to a new parent doesn’t require formal training or a long-term commitment. Often, it begins with something simple:
A conversation
A shared laugh
A reassuring story about “how it was when my kids were little.”
For new parents, these moments can be deeply affirming. They remind them that challenges are normal, that they are not alone, and that this community has room for them.
For older adults, mentorship offers something just as powerful:
A renewed sense of purpose
The joy of being needed
The opportunity to pass along wisdom that only lived experience can provide
Research and lived experience both show that social engagement improves emotional health, cognitive vitality, and overall life satisfaction. When seniors step into mentoring and community-building roles, everyone benefits.
Making Someone Feel Welcome Matters
Many of us remember what it felt like to be new to a town, a job, or a stage of life. A warm welcome can change everything.
By participating in this event, older adults have the opportunity to:
Help new families feel seen and valued
Strengthen the social fabric of Los Alamos
Model kindness, resilience, and connection across generations
These are not small acts. They are the foundation of a thriving community.
Living Pillar 3 Together
Pillar 3 isn’t just a concept; it’s something we live out through moments like this. When seniors and young families come together, we create a community that is richer, more compassionate, and more connected.
At LARSO, we believe that experience is a gift, and sharing it is one of the most meaningful ways to stay engaged and fulfilled.
Together, we deepen connections. Together, we build belonging. Together, we live Pillar 3.