Get WISE (Wellness through Intergenerational Social Engagement): An Intergenerational Summer Program for Children and Long-term Care Residents

ABSTRACT

A diverse intergenerational (IG) program, the Get WISE program, was implemented at a long-term care facility with a nearby childcare center and a local university. Pre-post measures from the children regarding perceptions of older adults, and from the long-term care residents regarding their self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and perceptions of resident-youth interactions were collected. Significant improvements were observed in perceptions of resident-youth interactions. Children’s responses expanded from stereotypes of physical aging to positive temperaments and activities of older adults. IG programs can improve the quality of relationships between participants and have cognitive, health, and quality of life benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational relations
• older adults
• long-term care
• depressive symptoms
• aging

Acknowledgments

The research team would like to thank all of the participants as well as the students, staff, and volunteers who helped facilitate this program.