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Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE Human Development Specialist University of Missouri Extension

Building Bridges. Generations United International Conference Pre-Conference Intensive Intergenerational Programs and Possibilities within Extension July 29, 2009. Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE Human Development Specialist University of Missouri Extension. Youth.

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Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE Human Development Specialist University of Missouri Extension

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  1. Building Bridges Generations United International Conference Pre-Conference Intensive Intergenerational Programs and Possibilities within Extension July 29, 2009 Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE Human Development Specialist University of Missouri Extension

  2. Youth • Sense of caring and respect for older adults • Acceptance of differences • Broader view of life and of aging • Meaningful experiences with someone special Older Adults • Shared talents • Higher self-esteem • Social contacts • A chance to exchange affection

  3. Kindergarten - University Students A Diverse Population Multi-cultural Community-based Intergenerational 100 Building Bridges Partners 26,000 Children and Older Adults

  4. Fitness • Reading • Pen Pals • Dancing • Storytelling • Arts & Crafts • Living History • Aging Awareness • Caring for Seniors • Cultural Exchange • Sharing & Learning • Intergenerational Fair • Intergenerational Internet • Intergenerational Messages

  5. Empathy Appreciation Sensitivity Respect Sharing Connecting Learning

  6. Building Bridges Evaluation (Children)

  7. I showed how I care about older people

  8. Pre-test Post-test Weak Gray Hair Wrinkled Hearing Loss Tired Calm Wrinkled Wise Worn Out Poor Eyesight Lovable Kind

  9. Post-test Pre-test Retirement Enjoy Life Grandchildren Knowing Things Helpful Smart Respectful Retirement Grandchildren Knowing Things Senior Discount Free Time Helpful

  10. Older people always have interesting ideas

  11. Older people don’t have a sense of humor

  12. If you live longer, you will become senile or confused

  13. Older people don’t understand teenagers

  14. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

  15. Self-worth • Connection • Compassion • Writing Skills • Fun and Interesting Building Bridges • Caring and Respect • Sharing and Learning • Cheering Older Adults Up • Positive Images of Older Adults • Physical Abilities Decline with Age

  16. Comments from Youth “I learned that older people are not OLD GEEZERS.” “Building Bridges is a very good way to show people that you care.” “It was fun to be with an older person because when we were teaching the internet, we were learning from them also.” “The Building Bridges experience helped me talk with other elderly people and start helping elderly more.”

  17. “Building Bridges provided a real life-changing experience to sit down and listen to other older people’s stories.” “I felt like I was really coming out of my shell to talk to someone I know nothing about.” “I want to use my Building Bridges experience to explain to my friends who are scared of old people that they are not that bad.” “I feel that Building Bridges is a good way to get to know the elderly. Also the program makes it easier to be comfortable around the elderly.”

  18. Comments from Teachers “Excellent program – gives the children a chance to experience several of the character traits our school uses – such as compassion, caring, respect, and responsibility.” “Students show more openness to others who have differences.” “My students have begun to recognize what things occur as people go through the aging process. They have also experienced how wonderful a friendship with an older person can be. It is very unique.”

  19. Rewarding • Helping kids learn • Feeling good & useful • Productive & resourceful • Something to look forward to • Being active, creative & healthy • Enjoy use of skills & being with kids Comments from Older Adults “A wonderful experience – good for children and good for me at 83.” “I thought it was wonderful. It gave us a chance to occupy our brains.”

  20. Caring Respect Compassion Positive Perception

  21. The more regular and frequent interactions between young and old, the more benefits and positive impacts they had. Children’s respect for and understanding about older adults

  22. Needs and Resources Community Involvement Collaboration Recruitment Orientation Support Recognition Evaluation

  23. Intergenerational Collaboration Businesses Youth Organizations Agencies Churches Older Adults Institutions Day Care Schools

  24. Building Bridges is for young and old, It makes our hearts feel good, not cold. We enjoy writing to our friends, We will stick with them through odds and ends. When we are feeling sad, We write to our friends, It makes us feel good. And when we are feeling blue, And our friends have the flu. We write to them and say “How are you?” We might talk to them on the phone, And we’ll tell them they are not alone. If we take them flowers, They will look at them for hours. And at the day’s end, We always pray for our friends. By: Keri, Randie, Laura C., Kathie, Trista, Columbian Elementary School, Carthage, MO

  25. Thank You

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