This randomized controlled trial will test whether a recently developed community-based intergenerational mentoring program known as Generation Xchange (GenX) can enhance antiviral resistance in older African-American women and men in a low-SES urban community. Additional studies will identify the biological processes that promote resistance to respiratory virus infections and viral disease in older African-American women and men.

This randomized controlled intervention trial (planned n=160) will test whether participation in the Generation Xchange (GenX) intergenerational mentoring program can reduces vulnerability to respiratory virus infections (COVID, influenzas, colds), increase antiviral immune activity (Type I interferon responses), and reduce inflammatory immune activity in older African-American women and men living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged urban community. Blood samples will also be collected to determine which biological factors are most important in protecting older African-Americans from respiratory virus infection, and which of those factors is affected by the GenX intervention.

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

No IPD will be shared.

All data collected, assayed, coded, and analyzed by researchers blind to study condition and participant identity