Assignments

Intergenerational Programming has been shown to enhance the quality of life between different generations around the world. IP has been developed amongst different communities to facilitate intergenerational conversation that then creates benefits for individual people (positive effects on mental health, increase in motivation), relational benefits (escape from isolation, openness to diverse individuals), and communal benefits (reintegration, volunteer work). The several schools of thought involving IP discuss the benefits of IP and the necessity for implementation in a world that is slowly changing in how familial structure and society is created, where families and societies are becoming increasingly divided, and generations are finding fewer platforms where interaction is less natural and less consistent to what it was decades prior. The research and data towards IP appear to have a number of scholars and specialists hesitant to show any definite consensus as to the validity of IP testing and results. 

Daniel R. George argues in “Intergenerational Volunteering and Quality Of Life: Mixed Methods Evaluation Of A Randomized Control Trial Involving Persons With Mild to Moderate Dementia” that intergenerational volunteering will enhance the Quality of Life (QOL) of an individual, primarily reducing stress. An individual’s understanding of their own quality of life, is something that correlates with a person’s sense of self-worth and purpose. Intergenerational programming, and the research outlined in this article, has proven that an increase of an individual’s QOL has larger benefits to their emotional and mental state of being.  An IP case study conducted in Cleveland, Ohio which had participants with mild to moderate dementia interacting with kindergarten students showed that this relationship between the two age groups created drastic improvement in the older participants’ moods. Older participants described their experience of their interactions with younger participants as spontaneous and fun, stating that children don’t judge them on their cognitive incapacities, and thereby alleviating the social pressure they often feel amongst their peers. 

Catherine Ventura- Merkel and Marc Freedman speak about how IP has manifested and the need to implement it within society as a way to keep intergenerational interaction and conversation a part of everyone’s lives. Isolation among generations is widening within the nuclear family structure. The old are starting to fear the young, and this fear manifests within society, as tension and competition start to grow between generations. IP techniques are used to a greater extent within communities and programs dedicated to at risk youth. These programs include seniors helping teenage mothers to raise their children and continue their schooling, working to keep juvenile offenders out of jail, or providing support during incarceration, and retired tradespeople helping to strengthen employment prospects amongst the youth participants. Ventura-Merkel’s argument states that there is a need for IP in a changing world, where nuclear families are now the norm, and natural interaction between different generations is limited, leading to misunderstanding and fear amongst generations of people.

Alan Hatton-Yeo and Clare Batty argue that familial ties and ‘togetherness’ leads to a willingness to provide mutual assistance, which must be facilitated in some form within Intergenerational Programs in order to see results. Hatton-Yeo draws on studies that show a larger divide between generations in ethnically diverse communities, that appear just as prevalent in society as does cultural or ethnic divides within that same society. The importance of program building to insure intergenerational understanding is critiqued throughout this book. The authors discuss how equality, both in ethnic diversity and social and cultural diversity, needs to be more directly addressed when fostering relationships, and not just intergenerational ones. Furthermore, the authors point out that poverty has a more corrosive effect on cohesion than either ethnic or generational difference. This means that working to create relationships amongst different groups of people will be more effective if there is a focus not just intergenerational differences. Groups that work to focus on the importance of all people and the establishment of cohesion, will benefit the most. Specifically, Hatton-Yeo encourages the use of culture and sport to be platforms for promoting meaningful relationships across generations and different backgrounds.

Judith Powell and George Arquitt explain that how older generations are perceived by younger generations affects how they are treated in society. In their research the authors used a case study of 90 children, and found that through IP older adults were more successful than classroom teachers at teaching students. However, the authors admit that the research on IP is limited. They reference Brubaker and Powers (1976), and further explain that instruments of measurement assessing participants within IP are not as vast and unbiased as they would need to make definite conclusions about the quantitative effects and benefits of IP.  

The scholarly sources all show that there are several benefits for all generations when participating in Intergenerational Programming and volunteering. George discusses the increase in QOL within the older generation, as well as an increase in feelings of acceptance, purpose, and enthusiasm in participation and social interaction. Ventura-Merkel similarly talks about the benefits that IP has on the older generations, as old folks appear to be moving further into isolation. Ventura-Merkel also adheres to the notion that, historically, integration of generations was more naturally routed. However, evolving familial structures and a changing modern world, has made it more necessary for federally funded and unique projects for IP to be established. Hatton-Yeo, similar to George, speaks on the importance of ‘togetherness’ and a need to feel accepted across all generations. However, Hatton-Yeo speaks about these mindsets more broadly, in terms of all people spanning from ethnically, culturally, socially, and economically diverse groups. People’s sense of community and belonging and the belief that those that surround you care and believe that you care for them is critical to social capital and ‘togetherness’. Powell speaks on the nuclear family, similar to Ventura-Merkel and a changing environment where generations don’t interact constantly or naturally as they once did. Powell examined a study conducted in 1920, where 50% of all families in Massachusetts had at least one other adult living with the family in addition to the parents. Presently, this figure is 3.5%. Powell also discusses the need to disregard pre-existing views, assumptions, and stereotypes  about different generations, similar to what Hatton-Yeo spoke about. Based on the research conducted by the authors, IP has a positive effect on negative stereotypes that the older generation and younger generations have about each other. Hatton-Yeo states that negative age-related stereotypes only perpetuate when individuals are not interacting with separate generations from themselves. However, there appears to be consensus amongst the entire group of scholars that more research still needs to be conducted, where quantitative analysis can be done and there can be clear, hard evidence to determine what kinds of IP best work for particular groups of people and amongst the different generations. 

Our project will work in conversation with scholarship, in order to establish a platform that provides individuals the knowledge that is out there currently, to educate individuals about the benefits of IP and to consider possible ways to integrate certain activities or programs into your routine and lifestyle. Because our work originally stemmed from producing content focused on an already established program at Davidson College, Adopt-a-Grandfriend, we wanted to educate primarily Davidson students and the Davidson community on ways to get involved. Because circumstances have changed, our focus will further be on how scholarship of IP can benefit the greater community where Davidson students may reside presently. Our argument will be that there are benefits for IP for all generations that get involved. Learning to facilitate relationships with older generations will help individuals with depression, a lack of motivation, and self-isolation. Older generations interacting with younger generations will see the effects that youthful energy will have on their quality of life, the sense of importance and purpose, and an atmosphere of acceptance, warmth and amusement. 

Ballroom Map

SSRs

George, Daniel R. “Intergenerational Volunteering and Quality of Life: Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Randomized Control Trial Involving Persons with Mild to Moderate Dementia.” Quality of Life Research, vol. 20, no. 7, 2011, pp. 987–95. JSTOR.

Thesis: “Mixed methods evaluation demonstrated that intergenerational volunteering might enhance quality of life through several key pathways, most significantly reduced stress” (987).
Restatement: Intergenerational volunteering is proven to have positive effects on an individual’s quality of life, particularly in reducing stress.

Structure: The structure of this article is similar to how a lab or field work research is structured, where the author divides his work and analysis into separate categories of the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. In the piece prior to the research portion, there is an abstract, and a section that highlights keywords and uncommon abbreviations that are throughout the piece, which provides easy referencing. George spends the majority of his time describing the experience that participants had during this project, and what was taken from this project personally by the participants involved. Though lab formatted, George dives into the relationships formulated and the anecdotal evidence that he collects from open and honest conversations with the participants. The conclusion is clear and concise, though acknowledging that the use of randomized control groups and other factors of the experiment are hard to contextualize statistical results,  providing a weaker analysis on the quantitative and qualitative results.  

Rhetorical Structure:

1. I like in George’s piece, he uses graphs to portray information in a different way than his essay structure report. It is beneficial to see certain aspects in a different format, that way the viewer can see it in a new way.
2. I also admire the way the report is structured, in that abbreviations and keywords are listed prior to the body of the piece. This helps the reader understand what to look out for and to identify terms that are significant.
3. I enjoy the way the author uses anecdotes to incorporate into the results portion of the report. Participants are seen being quoted in the text, alongside evidence he has gathered from the case studies, which allows for the audience to feel connected and present in that moment. Examples can be found on Page 992.

Hatton-Yeo, Alan, and Clare Batty. “Evaluating the Contribution of Intergenerational Practice to Achieving Social Cohesion.” Promoting Social Cohesion, edited by Peter Ratcliffe and Ines Newman, 1st ed., Bristol University Press, 2011, pp. 243–58. JSTOR, JSTOR, doi:10.2307/j.ctt9qgw9s.18.

Thesis: “A wide range of practical national and international case studies is included to illustrate and to develop some of the main points, particularly around the engagement of IP with the ‘harder conversations’ of cohesion – such as those concerning equality and poverty” (243). 
Restatement: Case studies on IP have been shown to be a departure point for many problems related to societal and cultural cohesion amongst different groups of people, and in particular to address equality and poverty more generally.  

Structure: Hatton-Yeo begins by putting intergenerational practice within the context of social policies aimed to establish social cohesion. The author goes on to talk about intergenerational programming and intergenerational solidarity more broadly, speaking on the complexities and the various representations of intergenerational relationships that surrounds us. A push for understanding intergenerational solidarity more broadly and in less finite terms is further proposed as a departure into an analysis of social cohesion. Evidence is shown throughout the chapter, to highlight the different ways that IP has been woven into government funded systems throughout the world. Hatton-Yeo then speaks on the development of IP historically, highlighting a shift in society where Intergenerational Programs became more prevalent as a way to address two increasingly vulnerable populations: young people and older adults. In order to prove this, he shares pieces of evidence related to different programs that best represent the rising needs of two groups of people. He concludes by talking about the different forms of IP and the benefits they offer, while also acknowledging that individual programs and individual assessments for the most part are not nearly as extensive as they need to be, and work for exploring issues of intergenerational solidarity on a broader base needs to be highlighted.

Rhetorical Structure:

1. I like the use of bullet points to separate the paragraphs. It helps to see what points are being made and what the author chooses to highlight, which can be viewed on Pages 247 and 249.  
2. I appreciate how within these bullet point sections, the author outlines clear aims for the project. An example of this is when the article states, “The project took a mentoring approach that had three core aims: to raise the achievement and aspiration of pupils who were at risk of failure; to promote the sense of identity and value of older people; to connect local schools to the community and promote the understanding of the importance of education” (252).
3. I enjoy the way the author concludes by putting IP within the greater context of the world and the problems that we face more broadly, as it portrays IP as something truly significant and important to everyone. It states, “IP is a necessary participant in the ‘harder conversations’ that are central to community and social cohesion

Powell, Judith A., and George E. Arquitt. “Getting the Generations Back Together: A Rationale for Development of Community Based Intergenerational Interaction Programs.” The Family Coordinator, vol. 27, no. 4, 1978, pp. 421–26. JSTOR, JSTOR, doi:10.2307/583446

Thesis: “The purpose of this paper is to (a) summarize briefly the relevant literature’, including results of our own recently completed studies on intergenerational interaction effects, and (b) present programming suggestions to aid those who work with families to identify resources and coordinate both formal and informal aging-youth-child networks in local communities to provide for intergenerational experience and to serve as an arena for research on the effects of intergenerational programming on age stereotypes and attitudinal change” (422). 
Restatement: In this essay, summaries of the various relevant literature is highlighted to indicate what information is out there regarding intergenerational programming, as well as spotlights various institutions and resources throughout the local communities in order to acknowledge intergenerational experiences established, and for the consideration that these places can be basis for further research in the benefits of Intergenerational programming and a communities changing perceptions on age-related stereotypes.

Structure: Powell’s hook is a statistic collected in Massachusetts, where 50% of all families in the 1920’s had at least one other adult living with the family in addition to the parents, which has dropped radically to 3.5% for the present day. The Literature review that she creates is separated into sections that describe the attitudes toward older adults among children and youth, the attitudes toward youth among older adults, and the effects of intergenerational interaction on attitudes. This perfectly considers the problems, and in turn exposes how society has allowed for these stereotypes to exist against other generations. She then finishes by touching upon the author’s own related research, what she intends to do with that research to further progress. She concludes by touching upon the problems faced when collecting data, responding to limitations identified by Brubaker and Powers’ conversation on the instruments used for Intergenerational research have measured knowledge about old age, and most samples have been either small or samples of convenience. She does point out that some programs can resist falling into those ways and assessing intergenerational communication and structures for the better.  

Rhetorical Strategies:

1. I like how the author separates the literature review into sections that include attitudes towards older adults among children and youth, attitudes towards youth among older adults, and the effects of intergenerational interaction on attitudes. This structure flows well and allows for readers to easily follow the progression of cause and effect.
2. I like the use of the word “we” as the author summarizes her points and speaks on behalf of her own work administered. It brings the author directly into conversation with the viewer and feels more immediate than just simply reading with no first-person narrative involved.
3. I appreciate the footnotes that the author uses to further describe some of the groups involved in IP programs. This really helps contextualize everything, however it proves to be separate for those that want to read more on the subject.

Ventura-Merkel, Catherine, and Marc Freedman. “Helping At-Risk Youth through Intergenerational Programming.” Children Today, vol. 17, no. 1, Feb. 1988, pp. 10–13.

Thesis: The allure of evidence emerging from the field, the existence of these programs, the steady growth of the elderly population in this country, and the profound and continuing needs of the disadvantaged young people all point to the wisdom of moving forward to better understand and develop more intergenerational programs for helping at-risk youth. 
Restatement: Research has shown that intergenerational programming improves the livelihood of at-risk youth.  New evidence has emerged that due to a growing elderly population, and the evolving needs of disadvantaged youth, there has been success with already existing programs. 

Structure: This article first talks about a change in familial structure, and the evolving structures in America that has resulted in a widening separation of age-groups and the establishment of age-specific institutions. She then leads to intergenerational programs as a way to resolve these consequences, as isolation among generations lead to many problems within society. The article then leads into a specific group of people, at-risk youth, and  describes several programs that have helped them, based on interaction between older generations of people. It concludes by listing Intergenerational Programs specific for at-risk youth, each having the address and a short blurb on what the program does and a description of the participants involved. 

Rhetorical Strategies:

1. I appreciate how the author uses sentence structure and repetition to create drama and a sense of urgency to the research that she’s describing. She states, “Despite the societal changes affecting family structure and stability, despite the fast growing number of retired older Americans, despite the increase number of children and youth living in poverty, few efforts were launched to address the cross -generational consequences of these changes or to explore the potential benefits of such interaction for the individuals, institutions, and communities involved (11).
2. I value how the article ends with a list of at-risk youth specific intergenerational programs, that are written concisely and with information only on the location, purpose of the program, and what kind of participants they work with.
3. I think this article does a great job at setting the stage, speaking first on what the familial structure used to be like, what it has become, and how that has effected the youth in society. This then leads the conversation into prevention and initiatives to help with at-risk youths, which easily moves into intergenerational programming as its focus.  

PLEDGE: NS