Intergenerational programs are organized events, where the elderly and youth spend time together and share an experience (Giles). According to a Stanford report, “when older adults contribute to the well-being of youth, it cultivates a sense of purpose and extends benefits both ways” (Parker). For the elderly, this can include a greater sense of fulfillment, reduced risk of depression and feelings of isolation (“The 10 Benefits”). For children, spending time with elderly people can alleviate their fears of them, as well as aging themselves (“The 10 Benefits”). This programming provides cognitive stimulation for both parties, and it keeps personal stories and history alive. From the articles and scholarship I have seen thus far, the general consensus is that intergenerational programs are beneficial. Therefore, I am interested in studying how intergenerational programming can or has impacted the Davidson community. My plan is to create a website that will compile research surrounding intergenerational programming, program ideas and personal accounts from Davidson College students of past experiences with the elderly/grandparents. Additionally, I plan to help facilitate an intergenerational event between a local preschool/elementary school and a nursing/retirement home, which will also be documented on the website. I seek to understand the impact of intergenerational programming because I like how it appears to benefit both groups of people and facilitate understanding across generations. Additionally, I would like to explore how varying cultural and socioeconomic factors affect the impact of intergenerational programming.
This project will require case studies and scholarly articles which can be found from online databases and journals. Furthermore, Davidson Community specific research will be required such as age distribution and other statistics found from public records or past censuses. Personal accounts from created Qualtrics surveys will need to be acquired from Davidson College students. All data will be cited and permission granted for personal accounts and photos to be posted on the website. Lastly, I will need to get into contact with teachers and event coordinators from a local school and nursing home in order to plan an intergenerational event.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are from times spent with my grandparents. Generations both young and old can learn from one another. Also, with a growing elderly population due to the Baby Boomer generation, there is a concern for increased need in geriatric care. There are various components of care: mental, emotional and physical, and I believe that if one is strong then the others can only benefit. Framing this project within a community-based focus will help make it more manageable. However, I do foresee challenges in terms of finding resources to plan and host an event, as well as finding a quantitative way to measure the impact of intergenerational programming. Lastly, I look forward to the project possibilities that will take form through the use of Design Thinking.
Bibliography
Dyer-Chamberlain, Margaret and Lincoln Caplan. Pass It On: Mobilizing Encore Talent to Transform the Prospects of Vulnerable Children and Youth, Stanford University, 24-25 June 2014.
Freedman, Marc. How to Live Forever: The Enduring Power of Connecting the Generations. PublicAffairs, 2018.
Giles, Gary. “Intergenerational Programs: Keeping Seniors Young, Making Youth Wiser.” MentalHelp.net, Recovery Brands, LLC, n.d., https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/intergenerational-programs-keeping-seniors-young-mking-youth-wiser/. Accessed 26 Jan 2020.
Parker, Clifton. “Older people offer resources that children need, Stanford report says.” Stanford News, Stanford University Communications, 8 Sept. 2016, https://news.stanford.edu/2016/09/08/older-people-offer-resource-children-need-stanfordreport-says/. Accessed 26 Jan 2020.
“The 10 Benefits of Connecting Youth and Seniors.” Bayshore Home Care, Website American Creative, 10 Feb 2017, https://www.bayshorehomecare.com/10-benefits-connecting-youth-seniors/. Accessed 26 Jan 2020.