Intergenerational service learning with elders: multidisciplinary activities and outcomes.
This article provides an overview of the activities included in a 3-year, multidisciplinary, intergenerational service-learning project conducted as part of a Foundation for Long-Term Care Service Learning: Linking Three Generations grant. Courses from four departments (gerontology, psychology, occupational therapy, and health promotion and physical education) and one interdisciplinary clinical intervention for stroke patients (speech pathology, occupational therapy, and therapeutic recreation) were involved. Service-learning activities were embedded in course curricula and varied from semester-long activities in group settings to activities involving one-on-one contact for several hours. In total, eight faculty and 225 students worked with 148 elders and 12 different community organizations to plan and implement activities for 357 older adults. Students and elders reported a high degree of satisfaction with the intergenerational activities and indicated that they learned from them and found them of value personally.
Krout
John A
JA
Gerontology Institute, Department of Psychology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA. krout@ithaca.edu
Bergman
Elizabeth
E
Bianconi
Penny
P
Caldwell
Kathryn
K
Dorsey
Julie
J
Durnford
Susan
S
Erickson
Mary Ann
MA
Lapp
Julia
J
Monroe
Janice Elich
JE
Pogorzala
Christine
C
Taves
Jessica Valdez
JV
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009518:New York; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration*