Describes the programs and activities of Generations Together, an agency that promotes mutually beneficial interactions between young and old. Lists six program elements and discusses outcomes. (CH)

Residential, familial, and recreational patterns of contemporary U.S. society tend to isolate the young from the old. Sensitivity to this isolation has prompted many human service agencies to seek ways to promote opportunities for constructive and ongoing interactions involving children and older persons. This paper provides insights and…

This paper provides an overview of the negative aspects of generational isolation and outlines the developmental needs shared by younger and older people. The paper cites intergenerational models, such as community centers, places of worship, colleges and universities, and nursing homes, in which generations interact in a substantive way. It…

Graduate and undergraduate gerontology students teamed to design and implement intergenerational service-learning projects. A weekly critical incident questionnaire gathered data on team development, collaboration, and learning. Students (n=17) considered team process the high point of the class; learning emerged through struggles with the…

Seventh graders (n=98) participated in a 1-week module involving study of the aging process and visits with older adults. Pre/postprogram data revealed significant improvement in age perception, attitudes about personal attributes of older people, and involvement with elders. However, scores on a facts on aging quiz dropped significant. (SK)

The Alabama Rural Elderly Enhancement Project was originally intended to help maintain the health and independence of the elderly in Alabama; it developed into an intergenerational program. The project director's leadership built a strong organization that promoted linkages among community agencies and with citizens. (JOW)

Responses from 59 of 80 undergraduate gerontology students participating in the Elder Mentor Relationship program revealed that, despite initial apprehension, most students found it rewarding. It increased their understanding about aging, fostered respect and admiration, and contributed to personal growth. (SK)

The LinkAges project engages elderly residents of the Dominican Republic in teaching three to six year olds, enhancing children's learning ability, fostering positive attitudes toward aging, and giving the elders opportunities to use their skills and transmit their cultural heritage. (SK)

Six seminars attended by 45 college students aged 19-23 and 25 Senior Guest students over 60 positively influenced younger students' interest in gerontology and acceptance of older persons socially and academically. Seniors also developed more positive attitudes toward younger students as well as younger family members. (SK)

The approaches taken by two separate family literacy programs on Chicago's South Side to create unique literacy-health projects demonstrate the fluid nature of partnerships; the essential but time-consuming building of trust and credibility; and recognition of mutual benefits. (JOW)

Discusses the need to improve child care situations and suggests an intergenerational intervention as a solution. Describes successful models such as"Foster Grandparents." (JOW)

In the Befrienders program, young adults visited, interacted with, and assisted homebound, isolated older adults. Participants (20 younger, 22 older) and the seniors' family members identified numerous benefits and valued the intergenerational relationships that were formed. (SK)

Summarizes results for parents of the original evaluation and the follow-up of Family Literacy Demonstration Programmes at four sites in Wales and England. Finds that parents benefited in employment, study, qualifications, literacy, and ability to help their children, and involvement with their children's schools. (RS)

A survey of 230 students in intergenerational service learning courses identified their motivations for involvement. Younger women were interested in relationship-related benefits; older women in altruism and knowledge gains. Males were interested in gaining credits and opportunities to work in areas of potential career interest. (SK)

Shares some responses from those involved in an ongoing oral history and writing project that connects members from a senior center writing group with children 9 to 12 years old from a self-contained special education program. Hopes that these comments and insights will serve as a parting testimony to the value of such intergenerational efforts.…