A survey of 62 undergraduates involved in interactions with older adults found that self-reported quality of contact, not frequency of contact, was significantly related to attitudes toward elderly persons. Ensuring that contact conditions are favorable may facilitate intergenerational interactions. (SK)

Older adults (n=20) and 8-11 year-olds (n=32) participated in either experimental groups (joint activities) or control groups (children and adults working alone or with age peers). Adults' ratings of children were more positive only in experimental groups. Children's attitudes were positive in both groups and remained so weeks later. (SK)

An intergenerational program included a classroom curriculum and visits between 36 older adults and nine adolescents with emotional disturbances. The youths' attitudes toward older people were less positive after the experience. However, their overall evaluation of the program was extremely favorable. (SK)

Ten elementary school students in need of a positive self-image and/or a sense of appropriate social conduct took part in a monthly intergenerational visiting program at an assisted living facility. In comparison to systematic observations obtained in their classrooms, the children were observed to be significantly less anxious, more interested,…

The purpose of this article is to highlight ways in which programs within institutions of higher education and Foster Grandparent Programs can interact to their mutual benefit. Given federal and state initiatives to develop linkages between institutions of higher education and community service sites, mutual benefits exist at the program level for…

Two important components of skill learning are the learning process itself (motor acquisition) and the ability to transfer what has been learned to new task variants (motor transfer). Many studies have documented age-related declines in the ability to learn new manual motor skills. In this study, I tested whether the degree of savings at transfer…

This report presents the feelings, ideas, and recommendations of 349 individuals in Illinois who attended Circle of Helping meetings, seven regional meetings held in early 1990 to create momentum for intergenerational program development, to increase awareness of the benefits of intergenerational programs, and to emphasize the interdependence of…

Many children in our mobile society are growing up with little contact with, and limited understanding of, elderly people. In 1983, the Westwood (Massachusetts) Public Schools initiated a successful structured interactions program between its fourth grade students and senior citizens from Westwood and nearby towns. Includes two references. (MLH)

Proposes eight basic assumptions that seem to underly the practice of multigenerational family therapy, theory development, assessment, and research by a theoretically divergent group of family-oriented scholars and practitioners. (Author)

Attitudes of administrators of adult (n=34) and child (n=192) day care centers were affected by more frequent exposure to intergenerational programming. Educational attainment had no effect on attitudes. Younger respondents were more positive than older ones. (SK)

A needs assessment of 161 Extension educators in family and consumer science and 4-H/youth development received 28 responses indicating preferences regarding intergenerational program content and delivery format. Results were used to develop curriculum and program delivery strategies and begin planning for a statewide intergenerational program.…

Elderly volunteers in the Young at Heart child care program (n=14), Meals on Wheels (n=14), other volunteer activities (n=24), and nonvolunteers (n=49) were compared. Although child-care volunteers were expected to score highest in generativity, volunteers in other activities did, followed by Young at Heart volunteers. (Contains 10 references.)…

A collaborative project of an Australian university, elementary school, and older adult volunteers incorporated lifespan education in grades 2-4. Five elements enhanced sustainability: contextual monitoring, working with change, lifespan curriculum, changing demographics, and funding. Potential hindrances were time, an overcrowded curriculum, and…

Describes the evaluation of an intergenerational storytelling program, offering reflections on the evaluation of practice from an initial evaluation approach of interpretive responses to an ending framework of narrative for the evaluation. (SLD)

Reviews prior work to develop the profession of intergenerational specialist. Presents guidelines and standards for professionals that outline the common core of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Discusses modifications to the guidelines that were made based on feedback from the field. (Contains 18 references.) (SK)