New Program in the Field: Enhancing Wellness in Older Adults through Intergenerational Community-Engaged Learning Programs in Long-Term Care Settings

ABSTRACT

This paper offers intergenerational professionals a unique approach to enhancing the physical, social, and emotional health of older adults residing in nursing facilities. Authors present a flexible framework for the adoption, adaptation, and facilitation of a university-driven intergenerational community-engaged learning program to engage residents in large group fitness activities. Strategies for program development and implementation are discussed using the Penn State Altoona and Old Dominion University Senior Wellness program as a flexible model promising reciprocal benefits for older adults and professionals in-training. The authors encourage program modification for application in readers’ respective intergenerational settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational
• well-being
• long-term care
• community-engaged learning