Intergenerational Program Essay

Creating an Intergenerational Program Intergenerational programs have been shown to help both older adults and youth (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011). Intergenerational programs help by keeping older adults active in their communities, as well as improve the thinking and behavior of young children, teens and young adults (Holmes, 2009). The benefits of intergenerational programs will be explored in this paper in more depth. Also, discussed is what the program's building would it look like, the services that would be provided, and the location. Furthermore, how intergenerational relationships will be maintained within the program. Intergenerational programs are beneficial not only to youth and older adults, but can benefit the entire community.
In the 1900s only one in every twenty-five Americans were age 65 or older, fast forward to 2009 and one in every nine Americans are 65 or older (Holmes, 2009). By 2030, it is estimated that out of five Americans one will be 65 or older (Holmes, 2009). Compared to the past when families were not as mobile today many children have little or no contact with their grandparents (Holmes, 2009). Also, affecting intergenerational communication is the trend of age segregation in communities, older people tend to live around older adults, and children spend time in school with peers (Holmes, 2009). There are benefits for both children and older adults who have intergenerational, as children can learn a great deal from older adults, and older adults can have emotional needs meet (Holmes, 2009). Following will be more details about the benefits for both older adults and children who participate in intergenerational
To make the building accessible to everyone if there are stairs there should be handrails that are safe and sturdy. Also, if there are stairs, there should be a ramp so anyone who is wheel chair bound can access the building. The inside of the building should be as easy to navigate as possible with clear signs of what programs are where in the building. Making sure that rooms are clearly marked would be important in a building that is a shared space. I also think that the inside of the building should be cheerful and give a comfortable feeling to people who come inside. By having comfortable and practical furniture, plants, and previous projects on the walls in some areas I think that would help create a friendly