Share Your Experience and I'll Lend You My Ear: Older Adult Outcomes of an Intergenerational Service-Learning Experience

Abstract

Intergenerational service learning is frequently used in gerontology courses. However, research usually focuses on the experience of the younger (e.g., children, youth, adolescents, students) rather than older participants, or older adults who are in poor health. Using a focus group methodology, this study explored the experience of active older volunteers who participated in an intergenerational service-learning project with college students. Results indicated older adults positively experienced the project and found the relationships with their partners meaningful. They appreciated students listening to their life stories and documenting them through memoirs. The study shows that active older adults can benefit from an intergenerational service-learning experience.

Elders’ Life Stories: Impact on the Next Generation of Health Professionals

“…In the current study, students expressed altruism through their desire to help seniors in a volunteer and/or professional capacity. Consistent with Zucchero's [18] findings, students were inspired by the senior participants and learned from them. They also gained new insights into themselves.…”

“…Zucchero [18], who studied a life review program conducted by undergraduate psychology students, uncovered the following themes from interviews with seniors: positive emotion or experience, a shift in their own perspective, and a changed view of young adults.…”

“…Zucchero [18] examined the effects of a biopsychosocial life review conducted in interview format by 67 psychology students paired with older adult volunteers. Students generated an academic paper based on the results of the interviews and wrote personal reflections about their experiences.…”

Living Legends: Students' Responses to an Intergenerational Life Review Writing Program

“…The results are consistent with past studies that investigated the benefits of experiential learning programs that promote an exchange between health students and community‐dwelling older adults . Participation in the arts has benefits for health and quality of life for older adults; these findings corroborate growing evidence that intergenerational engagement in expressive art forms may foster positive relationships between older adults and the younger persons who will constitute the workforce for elder care . The qualitative findings highlight some of the unique features and benefits of this program and illuminate how the program affected positive images of older adults.…”

Fostering a new model of multigenerational learning: Older adult perspectives, community partners, and higher education

“…A qualitative study by Zucchero (2010) found older adults had improved expectations of college-aged persons and benefited from acting as a mentor for their student partners.…”