INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING AND FAMILY HARMONY

Abstract

Planning educational programs for older persons should be based on identifying things they do well and determining knowledge and behaviors that younger family members would like them to acquire. This strategy prevents the common problem of adopting inappropriate programs that may be considered successful in other environments or societies. Three generational studies of families in China and the United States are described to illustrate differences in perception about grandparents across cultures and between generations within societies. Guidelines and curriculum topics are recommended for several target populations to help them achieve family harmony.