Purpose: This study explored college students' perceptions of the benefits and challenges of facilitating compassionate presence sessions to reduce loneliness and isolation among assisted-living older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The research team conducted a 3-day training of seven public health undergraduate student facilitators on deep and active listening skills based on a toolkit they developed. The trained student facilitators (SFs) engaged in one-hour weekly group or individual virtual CP sessions with older adults for ten weeks and completed weekly guided written reflections. Students' written reflections were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: We identified six themes: understanding of older adults, relationships, skills, positive emotion, power dynamics, and managing silence. Analysis of the interview transcript of older adults demonstrates that they benefited from the program as well. Older adults reported a decreased feeling of loneliness, improved mood, and increased self-worth. The deep connections between the student facilitators and older adults seemed to enhance both generations' sense of meaning in life, easing their loneliness and isolation during the pandemic.

Conclusion: Through this community-engaged research, students 1) developed strong facilitation and interpersonal skills; 2) built meaningful social bonds with older adults; 3) improved their understanding of older adults and aging; 4) reported positive emotional, mental, and social well-being throughout the period of shelter in place; and 5) acquired research and core leadership skills needed for future career and professional practice.