Connecting Generations

Welcome to PAIRS

The Parkinson's and Intergenerational Relationship Support program acts as a bridge between generations, connecting individuals with Parkinson's and student volunteers for mutual support, health, and lifelong wisdom.

Our Foundation

The Mission

"To cultivate a vibrant, supportive community where individuals with Parkinson's Disease and student volunteers build meaningful relationships that reduce social isolation, improve health outcomes, and empower every member through shared wisdom and purpose."

30+

Target participants for our inaugural cohort at Concordia University Irvine.

Belonging

Creating a space where every participant and volunteer feels seen, heard, and valued.

Connection

Prioritizing deep, intergenerational relationships as the foundation of health.

Empowerment

Providing tools and confidence for proactive lifestyle management.

Reciprocity

Creating a mutual exchange—students give support, participants share wisdom.

Our Services

Providing a comprehensive three-pillar approach to supporting individuals with Parkinson's through community, activity, and education.

One-on-One Lifestyle Support

Biweekly sessions for personalized companionship and accountability, conducted via phone, Zoom, or in person.

★ Lifestyle Coaching & Milestones
★ Health Report Reviews
★ Intergenerational Storytelling

Physical Activity Groups

Biweekly walking groups in Orange County parks for aerobic fitness and social interaction.

★ Expertly Guided by Trained Volunteers
★ Pre-screened Routes
★ Transit Vouchers Available

Wellness Seminars

Four annual seminars facilitated by students and healthcare professionals covering lifestyle factors for PD management.

★ Nutrition & Tech Topics
★ Caregiver Support Strategies
★ Take-home Resources

For Volunteers

Empowering the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders

College students from Concordia University Irvine, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and local institutions gain hands-on, patient-centered service experience that goes beyond the classroom.

CUI

Concordia University Irvine

UCI

UC Irvine

UCSD

UC San Diego

Local

Regional Institutions

Comprehensive Training Modules

01

Clinical Literacy

Deep overview of Parkinson's Disease (PD) and interpreting LPLS health reports to provide informed support.

02

Leadership & Safety

Training in leadership for social groups and strict mobility safety protocols for physical activities.

03

Communication & Empathy

Strategies for mental health awareness and effective, patient-centered communication techniques.

Professional Growth

Build leadership and clinical-adjacent skills essential for future healthcare careers.

Perspective

Gain invaluable wisdom and life lessons from older adults through reciprocal relationship building.

Impact

Directly reduce social isolation and improve the quality of life in your local community.

About Us

A Partnership for Community Health

Our Partnership

PAIRS is a collaborative initiative between Concordia University Irvine (CUI) and the Lifestyle and Parkinson's Longitudinal Study (LPLS). While PAIRS is service-oriented rather than research-based, it benefits immensely from the clinical expertise and proven methodology of the LPLS.

Location & Host

Hosted at CUI, the program is supported by Dr. Nathan Meier (LPLS director and CUI professor). We utilize campus facilities for all training, orientation, and seminars.

The Gap We Fill

We bridge the space between medical appointments and daily life by providing community and accountability for putting health knowledge into daily practice.

Supported by the Donald A. Strauss Foundation

Our pilot programs and community-based interventions are made possible by the generous support of the Donald A. Strauss Foundation scholarship, which has provided crucial funding for the 2026-2027 academic year.