SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Inter-generational programs benefit both seniors and youth

 

Sept 4, 2016    Inter-generational programs bring together youth and older adults offering them opportunities to interact and create ongoing, beneficial relationships for the participants as well as the greater community. For children, intergenerational programs offer benefits such as improved academic performance, enhanced social skills, decreased negative behavior and increased stability, according to education.com.

And, there are a number of benefits of intergenerational programs for older adults, too, including:

• Enhanced socialization: Sometimes all it takes to motivate yourself to get up and get involved are a child’s shining eyes and beaming smile.

• Stimulated learning: Intergenerational activities help children meet academic standards in social studies, reading and writing. In addition to helping children achieve their educational goals, intergenerational programs also assist the child psycho-socially. And imagine what their young brains could teach you.

• Increased emotional support: Intergenerational programs give older adults the opportunity to participate in meaningful activity, decreasing loneliness, boredom and depression while increasing self-esteem.

• Improved health: Also according to education.com, older adults who regularly volunteer with children burn 20 percent more calories per week, experience fewer falls, are less reliant on canes and perform better on memory tests than peers.

 

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