Lessons for Life

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School

Several Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents had the chance to go back to school last winter. While the kids at Milton Hershey School were the students, both groups learned the importance of intergenerational activities and growing to know one another.

Eight fourth grade classes, or about 120 students total, worked with six residents on a project using a process called “design thinking” to create assistive devices that older adults may find useful. The students interviewed the residents to find out what their needs were and what obstacles they may run into with daily tasks.

“The elementary innovation lab curriculum was built to provide opportunities for students to discover complex real-world problems,” Milton Hershey’s technology innovation lab instructor Joel Crowley said. “In the process of solving these problems, our goals were for students to develop empathy by seeking to understand the problem from the perspective of the user, or the person who is impacted by the problem. We tried to create many possible solutions, and then, with feedback from the user, improved our designs until we had our best possible solution.”

The devices, which would be printed using a 3D printer, included a one-handed book holder, pen (or pencil) ball grip, fork and spoon support, bag carrier, walker tray, wheel chair squeegee and wheel chair cup holder. The tools can help older adults remain independent.

“Part of the process was not just about making tools for the residents, but also learning their history,” Mike Dilley, director of therapy services at Masonic Village, said. “The residents were able to share their life stories and experiences with the students, which made them feel valued. They were grateful someone would care enough about them and their limitations to design tools to assist them.”

To help the two age groups connect, they also enjoyed lunch together.

“For the residents, many commented it was like being around their grandchildren, who in many cases they had not seen for months,” Mike said. “The students were very interested in their life stories and how our residents’ experiences differed from what they are experiencing. The students ‘fought’ over who could escort the residents when going from classroom to lunchroom.”

“It was nice being around a lot of kids,” said resident Joe Fliss (shown in top photo), a retired state and township police officer and Air Force veteran who had many experiences to share with them. “It was something different. I enjoyed it. We talked a lot. They didn’t ask difficult questions.”

Joel had contacted Masonic Village about the project after a fellow Milton Hershey employee, Jacqui Niel, mentioned her father had received short-term rehabilitation at Masonic Village. Jacqui was essential in working to prepare the students to work with the residents. She used her personal experience with her father to help provide them with a framework for asking questions, speaking clearly and moving carefully.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the project. While residents were unable to return to the school to see and test the final devices, their contributions were instrumental in the kids’ education. Both groups look forward to connecting on future projects.

“I loved seeing students engage in conversations and meaningfully connect with the seniors,” Joel said. “Some of our students never had the chance to meet their own grandparents, and this opportunity to work together and learn from someone with much more life experience was truly wonderful. It was an awesome experience for the students to practice putting the needs of others above their own needs. I was really proud of them.”

You can view a video of the collaboration on Milton Hershey School’s YouTube channel under the Elementary Division: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0pk6ss4g9Q.