An intergenerational partnership between a college and congregate housing facility: how it works, what it means.
OBJECTIVE
We describe the goals, development, operation, and outcomes of an intergenerational programmatic relationship between a private comprehensive college and a congregate facility that houses both independent-living apartments and assisted living for older adults.


METHODS
Activities are based on a communal-developmental model that promotes "learning with" as opposed to "doing for." We identify key components involved in implementing such a model and provide examples of the activities that constitute the programmatic relationship. We also identify program implementation challenges and discuss outcomes.


RESULTS
Faculty and students report that partnership activities provide excellent opportunities for increasing the understanding of aging and older adults. Residents report programs provide social, recreational, and educational benefits.


CONCLUSIONS
Programmatic partnerships between colleges and residential facilities for older adults provide many benefits for students and residents. They require shared responsibility, deliberate and creative planning, and ongoing coordination.
Krout
John A
JA
Gerontology Institute, 407 Center for Health Sciences, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. krout@ithaca.edu
Pogorzala
Christine H
CH
D000368:Aged; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools