Programming for the Young and Young-at-Heart — Episode 047

In this episode we are taking on some listener requests for more
podcasts on park and recreation programming (P.S. we’d love to
hear your requests for episodes, so email Roxanne or Cort with
your ideas!).


Today, we’re looking at intergenerational programming – what it
is, how it’s working in the field and how it’s impacting those
who participate in the programs. We interviewed three people in
order to collect these different perspectives and you’ll likely
notice that our mics and audio sound a bit different interview to
interview as they were done in different locations.


First, you’ll hear from Emily Patrick of Generations United. She
is dedicated to promoting and educating people about the benefits
of intergenerational programs.


Second, you’ll hear from Candice Holbrook from the Department of
Parks, Recreation and Waterfront in Burlington, Vermont where she
manages intergenerational programming.


Third, you’ll hear from Martha Ahmed, an older adult who
participates in intergenerational programming in Burlington.


Some key takeaways from this episode:


Interactions between older adults and youth can provide
mental and emotional health benefits to both groups and help with
loneliness and isolation.

Intergenerational programs can involve older adults serving
youth, youth serving older adults, multiple generations working
together to serve others, and an organization providing services
to both groups at the same time.

You can start intergenerational with the resources you have
now — perhaps by combining activities between two existing
programs.

The intergenerational experience truly makes a positive
impact on those involved.



Resources mentioned in this episode and related
resources:


NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative

Healthy Aging in Parks Survey Results



Generations United Resource Library

Intergenerational Program Database

Generations United Programs of Distinction

Creating an Age-Advantaged Community

I Need You, You Need Me: The Young, the Old, and What We
Can Achieve Together

Young and Old Serving Together: Meeting Community Needs
Through Intergenerational Partnerships

Youth-Led Intergenerational Toolkit

Generations United Podcast





Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront: Recreation and
Nutrition Drop-In Programs