Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #165866
Title: INTERGENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES: A WIN-WIN OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH YOUTH AND THE ELDERLY

Author
item HYMAN, EDITH - DELTA NIRI
item JOHNSON, GERALDEAN - D
item RICHARDSON, BERNICE - D
item GLOVER, LILLIE - D
item SMITH, CYNTHIA - D
item IDRIS, RAFIDA - DELTA NIRI
item HUNT, SHARON - D
item KUMELACHEW, MISSALE - D
item MCWHINNEY, SHARON - D
item SAHOO, CHINAMANI - D
item STIGGER, FLAVELIA - DELTA NIRI

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/2004
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Creative intergenerational intervention programs can enhance communication and understanding among generations, dispel myths about aging, and provide social networks for both elders and youth, particularly among the rural elderly. The study was a sub-sample of a regional research project conducted to evaluate intervention methods to improve the quality of well-being of rural southern elders. The intergenerational component was designed to determine the impact of selected interventions on youths' perception and interaction with older adults. We hypothesized that the intervention programs would create more positive attitudes about aging and the elderly, promote intergenerational bonding, and increase mutually satisfying activities. An experimental/control, pre-post-test design was used. A total of 427 youth participants in 4-H programs, age 9-13, participated in the project. The experimental group was asked to adopt an older person, non-relative, for a special learning experience. Results indicated that the interventions increased the overall knowledge level of youth and promoted more positive feelings of youth toward the elderly and aging.