Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Payphone Surprise: Call a Boomer

In the heart of Boston University, an unlikely relic has found new purpose: an old-school payphone, offering a direct line to “call a boomer.” Outside Pavement Coffeehouse, students can pick up the receiver and connect with someone from a senior home in Reno, Nevada. As student Ava Gordon put it, “It adds a bit of color to a rather gray sidewalk.” This quirky installation by Matter Neuroscience isn’t just a nod to nostalgia; it’s a playful bridge across the generational divide, reminding us that in “the digital age, loneliness is more pervasive than ever.” The telephone’s ring carries an invitation to pause, listen, and perhaps, find common ground between past and present.

Be The Change

Call someone from an older generation and ask them to share a story from their past. If you’re of the oldest generation you know, explore volunteering as a mentor to generations younger than you in some capacity — they can benefit from your the wisdom of your life experience!