There are people who rock our world. They are the people who make us feel special and needed, who care for us, who keep us safe. Some are famous though most are not.
I happen to think people who take part in intergenerational groups rock this world. They are the ones reaching across the perceived barriers of generational divides.
For me, intergenerational groups are about connecting and belonging. It is that simple and that complex. Support is required for connecting and belonging to happen. Thankfully opportunities for intergenerational relationships are happening. Check out these examples:
- Windsor Place Nursing Home in Coffeyville, KS which has a kindergarten class.
- OTTER (Older Teachers Teaching Early Readers) an RSVP Program in Orlando, FL
- SKIP (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Program)
- Take a Walk in My Shoes
Intergenerational programs rock. They rock because they can enrich the lives of participants while meeting special needs of one or both groups. They rock because the opportunities for creating them are broad.
Intergenerational programs involving music are my favorite. Many people see music preferences as divisive yet they need not be. With careful selection and a variety of genres and eras, music can be a connecting and gathering point.
Look at the Cleveland Institute of Music Intergenerational Housing or the Forever Young Choir or the intergenerational groups lead by Music Together providers. Music is what is bringing these groups together. And it is so much more than these designated programs. Chances are there are retirees sitting next to high schoolers in community bands, choirs, or orchestras in your area.
People rock our world. Music can help us rock together.
Loved the SKIP video! It’s a real heart-warmer.
Thanks for sharing this resource.
It is fun looking at the variety of programs. Videos do provide a better view of what happens.
JoAnn,
These programs look great. I know that my kids love the time that they spend with grandparents and aunts and uncles. Mixing up the generations gives them lots of opportunities to see the world different ways. I particularly like the idea of mixing senior living with early education. There was so much wisdom in my patients when I visited senior living centers.
Warmly,
Ann
Senior living centers are filled with wise folks. They also provide a fresh perspective at other generations. And, other generations add so much to the lives of elders.
My son participated in a intergenerational group involving his nursery school and a local senior residence. He loved going and when I was the parent helper it was clear everyone was benefiting from the interactions. Great post. Thank you.
Reading about other successful programs is a blast. I’m glad your son had this opportunity, Allison.
At the last skilled nursing facility I worked at, they converted some old senior apartments into a daycare (primarily for the SNF employees’ children but open to the public). The daycare program coordinated with the SNF rec therapy department and planned inter-generational groups a few times a week. The whole arrangement was just awesome!
Childcare is important to employees so having one provide primarily for staff likely contributes to staff retention. Regular intergenerational groups in a skilled nursing facility is an awesome arrangement.
Wow, Stephanie, that’s awesome! I visit a facility that has a daycare on site, but the don’t do any joint, intergenerational activities. I think they’re missing out on a HUGE opportunity.
Me, too, Rachelle. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming in preparation. Maybe they could start small like once a month sharing some activity together.
Those programs look great, wish there were more!
Hopefully we can entice more into the fun.