Using Intergenerational Service Learning to Promote Positive Perceptions about Older Adults and Community Service in College Students

Abstract

This research contributes to the evaluation of the Meaningful Connections program, an intergenerational service-learning program that brings college students and older adults together for small group discussions. Changes in student attitudes toward older adults and community service were examined using pre- and posttest data from the Aging Semantic Differential Scale and Community Service Attitudes Scale. Results indicated that attitudes toward older adults showed a significant positive change at posttest. No significant changes were witnessed for attitudes toward community service. These findings suggest that the Meaningful Connections program has a positive impact on student attitudes toward older adults.

Keywords:

• intergenerational programs
• ageism
• young adults
• service learning
• older adults

Notes

1. Previous research (Penick & Weber, 2011) has shown positive results of the Meaningful Connections program on older adults. The purpose of the present article is to focus on the impact of the program on student volunteers.