By Matthew Cimitile, University Communicationis and Marketing
At the height of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing, two programs launched in Tampa Bay to connect people across generations.
Now in their fifth year, Health Buddies and TelePals have connected hundreds of older adults with USF students, reducing reported loneliness and increasing access to health information. Enrollment in both programs has grown steadily each year, reflecting an ongoing commitment from USF in promoting public health.
“These programs have absolutely been fueled by the power of USF; from students who devote their time and compassion to faculty who provide critical advising and recruit students,” said Aria Garling, Health Buddies program manager for Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay.
A partnership between Seniors in Service and USF St. Petersburg began in 2020, which invited students to participate in the nonprofit’s TelePals program. Students connected on a regular basis with older adults by phone or video chat. They talked about their lives, challenges and at times shared a much-needed laugh.
These connections played a critical role in mitigating social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students who participated in TelePals said they felt a sense of purpose, as they were able to provide support to others during a difficult time, while older adults received much-needed companionship.
However, managers of the program said they found some older adults needed more. Those experiencing intense loneliness also suffered from worsening chronic health conditions, according to survey data from TelePals.
“From this information, we developed a 12-week program that is Health Buddies, which incorporates social elements of TelePals with structured health guidance on issues such as nutrition and fall prevention,” Garling said.
"When you get to be my age, you feel like people have forgotten about you, but not you guys. I'm grateful for Will's support and the positive impact he's had on my health journey,” said a Health Buddies participant from Pasco County, talking about USF student William Carmichael.
The goal of Health Buddies is to reduce the number of adults who seek medical care due to social isolation and loneliness.
All health guidance is provided by community experts, who offer training sessions on a range of topics to student volunteers. Volunteers then provide snippets of health information throughout their conversation with their pals, many of whom have chronic health conditions, empowering them to better self-manage their health.
“Just being able to have regular interactions, checking in on them and showing you have a genuine interest in their well-being has such an impact on their spirits and health,” said Sana Lulu, who volunteered with Health Buddies for four years as a USF pre-med student.
In recent years, enrollment in Health Buddies has ballooned: from 104 in 2023 to 219 in 2024 to an expected 400 by the end of 2025.
"When you get to be my age, you feel like people have forgotten about you, but not you guys. Will's conversations have been incredibly valuable to me,” said Russell, a participant from Pasco County talking about his pal and USF student William Carmichael. “I'm grateful for Will's support and the positive impact he's had on my health journey and all of the new resources I've gained.”
Currently, about 40 USF students serve as Health Buddies. Every volunteer receives training on how to manage chronic conditions, regularly check in on their pals, listen for any “red flags” and connect older adults with community resources when necessary.
It has become a flexible, convenient way for college students to earn service hours while helping others.
“Though we are calling people to reduce their loneliness, it was very beneficial for me as I was socially isolated, too, during the pandemic,” Lulu said. “I was also really shy when I started. This forced me out of my comfort zone, and I gained confidence in myself as I improved my communication skills and empathy.”
It also offered Lulu opportunities she may not have had otherwise. She is now chapter support manager for the program, where she helps to start Health Buddies student clubs on college campuses across Florida and beyond.
Along with those involved in Health Buddies, another eight USF students participate in TelePals. Four student interns support both programs behind the scenes, assisting with student recruitment, data analysis, program evaluation and more.
Health Buddies Program Manager and USF Alum Aria Garling (left) with an older adult participant.
Faculty involved in Health Buddies come from the USF Morsani College of Medicine, College of Public Health, Department of Psychology and Anthropology, and the School of Aging Studies. In addition to advising, they help to recruit and coordinate service hours.
Both programs are run by Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, whose mission is to provide solutions to community challenges through volunteers. They now operate Health Buddies and TelePals in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco County. Health Buddies is also offered in Polk County.
“The stories I hear after the 12 weeks are completed are incredible,” Garling said. “Older adults who are hesitant about being matched up with an 18-year-old end up having a new best friend, and, in many instances, continue that friendship after the program.
“It has also been wonderful to see so many students making a meaningful impact in their community,” she added.
To learn more about Health Buddies and TelePals visit: