Enhancing Innate Anti-Viral Resistance Through a Community-Based Intervention - Generation Xchange

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · Sep 6, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This randomized trial is testing whether a community program called Generation Xchange (GenX)—where older adults mentor younger students—can strengthen the body’s early defenses against respiratory viruses (like colds, flu, and COVID) in older African-American adults living in a low‑income area of Los Angeles. Participants are randomly assigned to start GenX right away or to a waitlist that begins the program after about 3 months. Researchers will look at immune measures in the blood, how the body fights viruses, inflammation, and also how people feel in terms of well‑being, loneliness, and mood over about 10 months. Results are not yet available.

Who can join: adults 50 years and older of any sex, living in the South-Central Los Angeles area near GenX schools, who are healthy enough to take part and can read and complete simple cognitive checks. About 160 people are planned for enrollment. What to expect if you join: you’ll donate blood and answer surveys at multiple points over 10 months. One group starts GenX immediately, the other starts after a 3‑month delay. The study is led by UCLA researchers with support from the National Institute on Aging, and the research team analyzes samples without knowing which participant is in which group to avoid bias.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participating in the GenX intergenerational mentoring program
• • All GenX mentors \> 50 years of age are eligible to participate in this research
• * GenX program participation requires:
• • Reside in neighborhood of GenX schools (South-Central Los Angeles)
• • Pass basic literacy and cognitive function tests
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any health condition that would put participant at risk by enrollment/participation