Poll: 91% Of Generation Z Concerned About Coronavirus, Grandparents

While national news stations spotlight pockets of co-eds flouting coronavirus guidelines over Memorial Day weekend, the team at DoSomething.org reports a dramatically different thought process among young people across America.

According to a survey conducted by DoSomething.org, 91% of young people (13-25) said they’re concerned, and more than 50% said they’re very concerned, about the coronavirus pandemic — more specifically, how the virus may affect their grandparents.

“There’s this narrative that young people aren’t taking COVID-19 seriously, and it’s just not true,” says Aria Finger, CEO of DoSomething.org. “Every day, we’re seeing thousands of teenagers and young adults nationwide respond to this crisis with selflessness, empathy, and action. Through the Senior Homies campaign, this generation is making an immediate, crucial and, frankly, adorable impact for seniors.”

The ‘Senior Homies’ campaign encourages young people to reach out to an older adult in their life and ask them to share a story about their life, including these shared by DoSomething.org members:

“This senior talked about his year when he was a dentist in the military and went to serve in Afghan. He talked about how he lost a friend and got depressed and how he has a dog added to his family. He said the doctor asked that he get a pet for companionship and his dog is his baby. He also talked about when he travelled a lot especially to Germany and Dominican Republic for vacation and rest. How he used to run so many miles and how he was very active and in good shape back in the day.” - Jennifer, 23 

“One of the stories that my 87-year-old grandmother shared with me was when she won her track and field race after overcoming an injury. She did not let the injury faze her and put in the hard work to win. This is important to me because I run track and field (unfortunately not this season because of COVID-19) and it shows me that obstacles and struggles can be defeated with determination.” - Bipasha, 14

“This campaign is important to me because my grandparents mean the world to me. I know they are struggling being secluded at home and boredom is overwhelming them at times. They are very active and to stay home is very hard for them to do. They try to sneak out but they've been caught so many times they have given up and now remain only at home. Visiting with them online is one small thing I can do to bring them joy.” - Skylar, 19

According to Genisha Metcalf, Head of Campaigns at DoSomething.org, the Senior Homies campaign has made a difference in the lives of both the young people and the seniors.

“The simple gesture of swapping stories with a senior can make an enormous difference for their mental and physical health during these especially isolating times,” Metcalf said. “The stories we’re seeing are so heartwarming, and we know the impact is both powerful and timely.”