Intergenerational Program Database

Through our Pages With All Ages program, residents at The Plaza Assisted Living will share pieces of literature — such as It’s Just Aging — with keiki and have meaningful conversations about getting older. Please join us in strengthening the connection between our keiki and kupuna and celebrating all that these two generations have to offer.

GRANDcares is a joint project of UH Manoa and Colorado State University. It provides educational programs for both grandparents, grandchildren and service providers. Currently these programs are offered in Maui County and Hawaii County.

Opportunities for Intergenerational Interaction: 1. Adults & Children Together (ACT) is a program that pairs “Grand-Persons” with first graders who may need a little help getting a good start in school and a boost in self-esteem. 2. Listen To Me Read is a program that seeks older volunteers to work one hour a week with elementary children who may need extra help with subject areas. 3. Read To Me is a program for third graders. The children choose a book, learn it well and share their story with a person in a long-term care facility. 4. Some schools have found space for a master craftsperson to be in residence. Potters, bakers, carpenters and others take up residence, creating a whole new learning environment. When space is available, shared-site facilities allow older adults and youth to build connections; having a room available for activities for older people in a school or having the public library open to multiple generations provides the opportunity for sharing ideas and experiences.

United Presbyterian Home (UPH) works with three levels of intergenerational activities. First, we have our own child daycare (UPH with Kids) for ages 6 weeks to 6 years. They have regular programs designed especially for those individuals living in our nursing facility. The children's presence on the nursing floor encourages residents to participate in activities and adds a smile to those suffering with Alzheimers and dementia. Also, it teaches the little ones about aging and acceptance of individuals that are elderly and/or impaired. Second, UPH works with the local grade schools to volunteer, help children read, and educate children about the aging process. This process establishes relationships that are beneficial for the children and for the UPH older adult residents. Third, we work with the high school: once a month the school principle brings kids to UPH to demonstrate areas or programs that they are working on in school. An open question and answer period is held during this monthly 30-60 minute program. Also, the high school music department and English department regularly share vocal programs and play excerpts that they are producing for the community. These programs provide an invaluable service to students and the elderly. Keyword: Shared Site

We have a unique opportunity for intergenerational activities being housed in The Life Center—a premier nursing and rehab facility.  The seniors and our children truly enjoy spending time together.  A few favorites are spring planting, holiday parades, music, and reading Keyword: Shared Site

The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services.

The Broken Chord project involves the creation of a play about Alzheimer's Disease. In order to create this play the members must conduct interviews, re-tell experiences, and improvise new material. Part of this project involves the senior project, which is an intergenerational writing program between high school students and senior citizens. The goal is to use art to bridge the community's intergenerational gap. Students interview the adults about their lives and weave the stories into written portraits. This group also volunteers and provides service to the local senior centers and organizations. Proceeds from the events are donated to the senior organizations as well. Over $1000 have been donated to Iowa City Hospice, We Are Shelter House, Alzheimer's Association, The Center, Pathways, and Elder Services.

Unique program led by younger adults that increases access for at-risk older rural populations to sustainable, low cost, physical activity programming. The theory-based LIFE program aims to connect the generations, improving aging perceptions in young adult trainers while providing socialization for the older adult participants.

The Family Folk Machine is an intergenerational, non-auditioned choir supported by the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center that welcomes kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds to sing together with a folk band. We seek to build community through singing songs with our neighbors, to explore American history and culture through song, to foster individual musical growth, and to pursue excellence as an ensemble.

Conference event entitled “Ties to the Land”-Your Family Forest Heritage: Planning for an Orderly Transition. An Intergenerational Family Forest Project