Intergenerational Program Database

Companions to Elders matches volunteers and elderly citizens within the Waltham community. Volunteers visit their companions weekly in assisted living facilities throughout Waltham. The program also has at least two group gatherings per semester at two nearby retirement communities.

CCB partners with elementary schools, high schools and colleges for intergenerational programs.

Generations works toward bridging the gap between senior citizens and college students. Students and seniors meet for social events at Brandeis and the seniors’ home in Newton.

Generations Together is a program at JCHE (independent, affordable housing for seniors). Youth from preschool age to medical school students participate in intergenerational programs with residents at JCHE on a weekly, monthly, and bimonthly basis.

Through the Intergenerational Matching Program volunteers are matched with elder friends to develop long-term relationships. Volunteers commit to visit regularly, 3 - 4 hours a month. The value of the personal connection of the visitor and the elder cannot be underestimated. The elders in this program are the most vulnerable. In addition to friendly chats, watching movies and going for walks, elders may be assisted by their “visiting friends” with the daily challenges of living independently.

The Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with dementia and their care partners. Once a month students from Brandeis University meet with seniors with dementia. Participants enjoy coffee, refreshments, and conversation with new friends. Guest artists share their work each month and lead participatory experiences.

Road Scholar Intergenerational Programs were designed for adults (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, or authorized family friends) to participate in a learning adventure with their young relatives or friends. These programs allow older adults to get to know their younger generations better. Programs exist throughout the country.

Engineering students at Olin College, students at Wellesley and Babson partner with local community Councils on Aging for a course. Students come up with projects to allow seniors to age in place.

Intergenerational programs include a Grand-Friend Program with the Steward Elementary School in Topsfield, an annual Valentine Exchange between students and seniors ensuring that homebound seniors receive a valentine, and the S.C.A.D. Dinner - This Senior Citizen Appreciation Dinner is sponsored by the Student Council at Masconomet High School each March. Students provide dinner, entertainment and gifts to show their appreciation of senior citizens in the Tri-Town communities.

Simon C. Fireman Community is a subsidized independent housing complex for people 62 years of age and older. Fireman has developed a model partnership program with Curry College nursing students learning on-the-ground skills to become compassionate and knowledgeable care providers. In addition, the Fireman Community has a regular pen-pal program, a partnership with the Telem Jewish teen service initiative and regular multigenerational trip opportunities to connect residents with youth in the Greater Boston community. Keyword: Shared Site