A memorable legacy: Vista del Lago student creates club that brings happiness to senior citizens

While most high schoolers in Folsom spend their Saturdays at the lake, shopping or socializing with friends, one senior from Vista del Lago High School has devoted countless weekends brightening the days of senior citizens. Aahan Gandhi volunteers at Folsom's Oakmont Senior Home by visiting seniors who live there, and he's not alone in his efforts. Gandhi inspired many other students at his school to take part in the visits when he formed Vista del Lago's first Elderly Assistance Club. Gandhi's journey with volunteering at the senior home took root several years ago, when he reflected on visits with his grandparents in India, or when they came to visit him in the US; it struck him how much his grandparents genuinely loved receiving attention, especially from young people. "I felt they really appreciated the interaction," explained Gandhi. "So going into high school I thought, there's a lot of volunteering clubs and they all do similar things; they go to hospitals, they go to homeless shelters, but I thought it would be interesting to go to an elderly home and play games with them, talk to them. And over time, I've seen that they really appreciate it." With his new mission clear, Gandhi gathered some friends to join: Akshobh Jahangirdar, Aarav Mangrulkar, Saket Tilak and Hana Hyunh. The group arranged to begin visiting seniors at Oakmont. Gandhi admits before the first visit he was a bit trepidatious and wasn't sure how it would go. "Our first event was actually playing Jeopardy. And we started with just one senior in their main living room," remembers Gandhi. "And we started off really slow, like is this really going to work? But then more people started joining and it took off from there." Oakmont has two sections: assisted living and memory care. It wasn't long before Gandhi and his friends began visiting residents in both areas, bringing all sorts of fun activities and most importantly, friendship ... something to look forward to. "They really appreciate whether we're drawing or painting, bowling or playing tap the balloon … anything. I think they enjoy it!" exclaimed Gandhi. The volunteering became infectious and soon Gandhi officially formed his school club, which grew to 35 students. Then, the goodwill spread, with Gandhi inspiring a group of students he knew at Folsom High School to start a similar club. Aside from the personal satisfaction of the volunteer work, Gandhi also brought an academic angle to his efforts: He conducted a small experiment and wrote a research paper titled "Investigating the Mutualistic Relationship Between Seniors in Care Homes and Community Volunteers," to look at the emotional and economic impact of his visits. In the paper, Gandhi detailed how interactions between the student volunteers and elderly increased the reported happiness of both. Considering Gandhi is also interested in studying economics in college, the paper explained how this happiness could even result in economic growth by getting the senior citizens more involved in contributing to the economy again. "Before I started this club, I didn't see the elderly as having a big impact on our society," said Gandhi. "But going through this I see that they are actually really special. They hold a perspective of the world that none of us young people do, and I think that's really valuable. That would be so valuable if they could contribute to the economy." Now, Gandhi hopes to bring more community awareness about his club at Vista del Lago and raise money for books and other small games for his visits with the seniors. As for the future, Gandhi is a senior, so his hope is the club and the goodwill behind it continues on. "I don't want this thing to disappear once I leave," said Gandhi. "I have a lot of people a grade or two under me who have reached out about being involved in a leadership role. That's been fun, trying to get more of those people so it can really continue when I go." Asked if he's proud of the legacy he will leave behind with this club, Gandhi acknowledged it is an experience he will always remember fondly; he plans to continue what he started as he moves through the next chapters of his life. To donate to Gandhi's student volunteer group, visit a GoFundMe page set up for that: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bringing-joy-to-local-seniors-lives?attribution_id=sl:70471749-7ebf-4831-bd24-d4e353ad2bc0&lang=en_US&ts=1754328126&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Gandhi also urges the public to visit the club's instagram page @vistaelderlyassistanceclub. For more information about making donations, contact him at aahangandhi@gmail.com.