Intergenerational Program Perceptions and Recommendations: Perspectives from Teachers, Children, Residents, and Staff

ABSTRACT

Intergenerational programs have the potential to powerfully and positively impact the well-being of young children and older adults. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of four groups of people (children, teachers, assisted living staff, and aging adults) involved in an intergenerational program (I-PLAY). I-PLAY consisted of weekly visits between a campus-based preschool program and an off-campus assisted living facility. Results from this study provide a greater understanding of the perceptions of individuals participating in an intergenerational program and an overview of identified strategies to maximize collaborations between preschools and assisted living facilities.

KEYWORDS:

• Preschool
• assisted living staff
• residents