HOUSING
Intergenerational Programs Learning and growing together A drive to create. A desire to learn. A yearning to be understood. There is more that unites young people and older adults than divides them. By focusing on the commonalities between older adults and children and encouraging more exposure and understanding, intergenerational programs can build connections and help participants learn and grow at every age. Generations United and LeadingAge teamed up with the Retirement Research Foundation to complete Intergenerational Programming in Senior Housing: From Promise to Practice, a report detailing findings from a year-long study on intergenerational programs in senior housing. The report explains that “[i]ntergenerational practice involves bringing people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities that promote
greater understanding and respect between generations and contribute to building more cohesive communities.” Intergenerational programs tend to focus on shared interests and common goals. The programs typically leverage the resources that the young and the old can offer each other. Programs are designed so that both the older adults and the children or young adults stand to gain knowledge and connections. Intergenerational programs help to
reduce social isolation and increase self-esteem and wellbeing. They also help individuals better understand and appreciate people who are not the same age as them. Ultimately, the programs help to foster good will and build strong communities. According to the study, many retirement communities are incorporating intergenerational activities into their programs—and they are seeing positive results for both residents and youth. Retirement community efforts tend to focus on specific intergenerational activities to engage residents and young people, such as art or technology classes or events. The benefit of these short-term events is that they do not require a major commitment from either staff or participants. However, utilizing single events can make it harder for young people and older residents to form
MAPLEWOOD ESTATES Upsize Your Lifestyle with Modern Apartment Living at Peter Becker Community
Maplewood Estates features bright, spacious oneand two-bedroom floor plans with a variety of styles, upgrades and price points for every budget. You’ll love your newly renovated kitchen and bath(s) and the rest of your beautiful home, which extends far beyond your apartment door to all the amenities Peter Becker Community offers, including multiple restaurants, the YMCA, nature trails, and a newly designed community center featuring a state-of-the-art woodworking shop, thrift and furniture store, and education center.
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Ready to trade the stress and worries of homeownership for a vibrant, worry-free retirement lifestyle?
Call today to schedule a personal visit.
(215) 240-4123
PeterBeckerCommunity.com 800 Maple Avenue • Harleysville, PA 19438
800-394-9990 | retirementlivingsourcebook.com
