Implementing an interdisciplinary intergenerational program using the Cyber Seniors® reverse mentoring model within higher education

Abstract

Intergenerational service-learning in higher education positively affects older adults and students, but little is known about the effectiveness of interdisciplinary, reverse mentoring programs that use technology as the medium of bringing generations together. This study describes an intergenerational service-learning program that utilizes reverse mentoring within higher education, the "Engaging Generations Program," at a midsized public university in New England where students help older adults learn about technology, and students gain communication and teaching skills. In this article, we outline how the program was implemented, present quantitative data on participation outcomes for students and older adults and qualitative data from older adults, and discuss best practices. Analysis of pre/post surveys found that students' attitudes toward aging improved (p < 0.01) and older adults interest in technology improved (p < 0.05) after program participation. Best practices identified included: multiple meetings with the same pair to deepen friendships, in-person training for student leaders, student responsibility for scheduling, tailoring sessions to each participant, student documentation of meetings, and active involvement by community partners.

Reducing Ageism: Changes in Students’ Attitudes after Participation in an Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program

“…Students completed a pre-survey prior to holding any sessions with older adults and completed a post-survey within a week after program participation was completed for the semester. Details regarding program design and implementation have been previously published [58]. University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors program is a reverse-mentoring, interdisciplinary, service-learning opportunity, where older adults and university students work together, mostly at senior or community centers, to help older adults learn how to use technology, and students gain valuable leadership, teaching skills, and problem-solving.…”

“…This dictionary provides scores ranging from −5 to +5 for many of the adjectives found in our data. This is often referred to as a "bag of words" technique [58]. We double-checked to make sure that they made sense in our context, and only a few changes were needed.…”

Older adults learning technology in an intergenerational program: Qualitative analysis of areas of technology requested for assistance

“…This study utilized data gathered from student observation logs from the URI Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors Program. For more details on the URI Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors Program, please see Leedahl et al (2019). In summary, this program incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to teach older adults about technology and includes faculty and students from the Colleges of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Arts & Sciences.…”

“…Intergenerational programs, such as the URI's Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors Program can serve as an avenue to teach older adults about technology and positively influence attitudes toward technology, digital use, and competence (Leedahl et al, 2019). The URI's Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors Program uses reverse mentoring and a service-learning approach, where university students help older adults learn about technology for experiential education, while developing communication and teaching skills.…”

Implementing reverse mentoring to address social isolation among older adults

“…Older adults were REVERSE MENTORING AND SOCIAL ISOLATION 6 recruited to the program through signs and newsletter posts. See Leedahl et al, 2018 for full details on the program design and implementation.…”