Terry Fay in Programs.
BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN
In schools where older adults were a regular fixture, children had more improved reading scorescompared to their peers at other schools.
Interacting with older adults enables youth to develop social networks, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, positive attitudes toward aging, a sense of purpose and community service.
Youth involved in intergenerational mentoring programs are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school.
Children and youth gain positive role models with whom they can interact on a regular basis.
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Intergenerational programs bring together diverse groups and networks and help dispel innacurate and negative stereotypes.
Children, youth, and older adults are less alienated while the community recognizes that they can be contributing members of society.
Intergenerational community service programs can multiply human resources by engaging older adults and youth as volunteers in different types of opportunities and populations.
Intergenerational programs promote the transmission of cultural traditions and values from older to younger generations, helping to build a sense of personal and societal identity while encouraging tolerance.