Project Description
The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to promote intergenerational interactions through a shared occupation. Participating in intergenerational activities can reduce social isolation among older adults (Murayama, 2015). An intergenerational walking program was created and implemented at a senior living facility in Naples, Florida. Volunteers were recruited from a nearby university program designed for young adults with disabilities. Older adult residents were paired with a young adult volunteer to engage in the intergenerational program. Older adults can experience successful aging when they engage in mentor-like relationships that are established through intergenerational programs.
Area of Focus: Program Development, Productive Aging, and Advocacy
Area of Practice: Health & Wellness
Project Site: The Chateau at Moorings Park in Naples, FL
Project Mission
To create intergenerational relationships to foster social participation between two generations.
Project Vision
An age-friendly world where generations can engage in various occupations with one another.
Needs Assessment
- The desired outcome is to increase social participation of older adults in senior living facilities to promote successful aging by establishing intergenerational relationships.
- There is a lack of awareness of using intergenerational programming to increase social participation among older adults.
- Intergenerational programs are becoming increasingly popular, however, there is a lack of knowledge on intergenerational programming within the scope of occupational therapy.
- Intergenerational programs have the potential to impact individuals across the lifespan by increasing participation in meaningful occupations (Harmon et al., 2022).
Literature Review
- Participating in intergenerational activities can reduce social isolation among older adults (Murayama, 2015).
- Intergenerational programs are within the context of occupational therapy practice because these programs are able support co-occupations between two generations (Harmon et al., 2022).
- Participating in meaningful activities allows for individuals to connect in emotional, physical, and volitional engagement (Ono et al., 2014).
- Intergenerational programs aim to promote active aging, and they help combat social isolation (Gualano et al., 2018).
My Mentors
Project Outcomes
Outcome Measure #1
In order to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge in intergenerational relationships, the student will structure a walking program for the purposes of increasing social participation between two generations.
Outcome Measure #2
Student will implement a sustainable walking program for the purposes of creating intergenerational relationships within a senior living facility.
Deliverables & Artifacts
- Created and implemented an intergenerational walking program to promote successful aging within a senior living facility.
- Obtained forty signed clinical hours with certified OTRs.
- Application designed for volunteer and resident recruitment.
- Obtained AOTA Badges in Lifestyle Modification and Mindful Path to Leadership Level I & II.
- Developed a feedback form for the purposes of quantifying the success of the intergenerational program.
- Development of evidence-based infographic highlighting the benefits of intergenerational programming.
- Established a partnership with a nearby technical institute for the purposes of volunteer recruitment.
- Developed an intergenerational walking program agenda and guide for future use and sustainability.
Future Plans
This project has provided me a wonderful foundation for understanding intergenerational programs and how these programs can be intertwined into the scope of occupational therapy. I will use this knowledge to help support my patients and clients throughout my career. I will continue to advocate for intergenerational programming and consider implementing it into practice when applicable. I will continue to share educational materials with others in the OT community.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my mentors, Lauren Feyh and Dr. Jill Linder, and the staff at The Chateau at Moorings Park for giving me their time, sharing their knowledge, and showing me continuous support throughout my project.
To reach me in the future, please email me at: kriet99@hotmail.com
References
Gualano, M. R., Voglino, G., Bert, F., Thomas, R., Camussi, E., & Siliquini, R. (2018). The impact of intergenerational programs on children and older adults: A review. International psychogeriatrics, 30(4), 451-468. https://doi:10.1017/S104161021700182X
Harmon, K., Shin, J., Rogge, A., Junker, J., Sleeth, K. (2022). Intergenerational programming for grandparent-grandchild dyads: Practical applications for OT professionals. AOTA. https://www.aota.org/publications/ot-practice/ot-practice-issues/2022/intergenerational-programming/open-intergenerational-programming
Murayama, Y., Ohba, H., Yasunaga, M., Nonaka, K., Takeuchi, R., Nishi, M., ... & Fujiwara, Y. (2015). The effect of intergenerational programs on the mental health of elderly adults. Aging & mental health, 19(4), 306-314. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2014.933309
Ono, K., Kanayama, Y., Iwata, M., & Yabuwaki, K. (2014). Views on co-occupation between elderly persons with dementia and family, Journal of Gerontology and Geriatric Research, 3, 185. https://doi/org/10.4172/2167-7182.1000185
Gelardin, S. (2018). Intergenerational relationships can transform our future. Senior Living Foresight. https://www.seniorlivingforesight.net/intergenerational-relationships-can-transform-our-future/