Our Services
Bridging the Generational Gap
Adopt An Elder
Covid-19 has elevated awareness to the lack of social connections experienced by many older adults. More and more, older adults are becoming orphaned elders. An orphaned elder is defined as “an older person who is socially or physically isolated, without an available family member or caregiver to help them manage aging” (Eltagouri, 2016). According to Cockrell (2020), loneliness and isolation can negatively impact seniors’ well-being. Programming, such as, “Adopt an Elder” is needed to bring companionship to seniors. The “Adopt an Elder Program” addresses needed services to seniors in assisted and independent living facilities in underserved communities. The program provides orphaned elders with meaningful relationships and routine wellness checks that assess their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. “Adopt an Elder Program” helps older adults cope with the feeling of loneliness that orphaned elders typically experience.
Generation to Generation
Social isolation, loneliness, and suicidal tendencies are conditions often associated with the elderly. However, these issues have sharply increased across younger generations (Herring, 2019). Research confirms, we need fulfilling relationships with individuals our own age and across the generations to lead lives that are productive and rich in meaning and purpose (Herring, 2019). The “Generation to Generation Program” will connect youth and older adults in activities that benefit all generations. “Generation to Generation Program” will improve mental and physical health, promote social relationships, increase self-esteem, bring awareness and understanding to cultural differences, create a sense of self-value, and enrich the lives of all participants and their communities. The program provides an opportunity for various generations to connect, to share their knowledge and experiences while developing intergenerational relationships and embracing generational diversity.
Strengthening Families through Digital Connections
Families play a central role in the lives of its members and serve as a source of strength and support. Having a supportive family provides emotional support, economic well-being, and increases overall health. A family’s social support is one of the main ways that family positively impacts health. Social relationships, such as those found in close families, have been demonstrated to decrease the likelihood of the onset of chronic disease, disability, mental illness, and death (George & Durham, 2016). In the wake of COVID-19, many families experienced family separation that initiated feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and confusion. There is an undeniable existence of trauma experienced by families when they are involuntarily separated. “Strengthening Families through Digital Connections Program” keeps older adults who feel isolated and families who have been separated connected through digital technology. The program builds and/or strengthens the bonds among family members who have been separated caused by illness, pandemics, relocation, etc. “Strengthening Families through Digital Connections Program” provides a platform via technology for family members to stay connected during short or long term separations.
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Connected Conversations
I ntergenerational conversations are an important aspect of understanding cultural and generational differences. Intergenerational conversations can break down stereotypes, dispel ageism, and provide a platform to share ideas across different generations with varying generational perspectives, experiences, and social/educational backgrounds. Programs that promote connectedness between young children and older adults have proven to benefit the young and the old. According to Jenkins, Lambert, and Fruit (1991), children who interact with older adults in intergenerational programs develop a positive attitude toward adults and are willing to help, interact, and cooperate with older adults.
“Connected Conversations Program” is based on a research project conducted by Penn State University (Between “LOL” and Yesteryear”) that addresses the scope of intergenerational solidarity for debunking ageism. “Connected Conversations Program” strengthens communities by eliciting cross cultural solidarity. The program creatives an opportunity for reflection and awareness about age-related discrimination through multimedia art and digital storytelling education.
Bridge to Brilliance: Interprofessional Mentoring Program
Bridge to Brilliance is an interprofessional mentoring program designed to connect retired professionals with high school seniors and community college students. This unique initiative aims to provide young individuals with firsthand insights and guidance as they explore potential career paths. Through one-on-one mentorship, interactive workshops, and real-world experiences, students will gain a deeper understanding of their chosen professions, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.
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Bridge to Brilliance Program emphasizes the importance of making connections between experienced professionals and young students, highlighting the pathway to achieving their potential and making informed career choices. The program aims to empower young individuals to pursue their passions with confidence, supported by the wisdom and experience of seasoned professionals. Through this program, we envision a future where informed, inspired students transition seamlessly into fulfilling careers.
Pathways to Elderhood
Pathways to Elderhood" is a transformative program dedicated to dispelling ageism and fostering a deeper understanding of the aging process. Drawing from the insights of Inker, Gendron, & Brooks (2019), our initiative emphasizes the need for holistic, empirical research into the lived experiences of elderhood. Our goal is to create an environment where elderhood is embraced, and individuals are respected and valued as they transition into this stage of life.
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We recognize that our current educational and social systems often fall short in addressing the complexities of aging. To meet the challenges of elderhood, we must equip today's youth with the knowledge and skills to become compassionate mentors and role models for future generations. Inspired by Cockrell (2021), our program aims to improve the quality of life, shift perceptions of aging from decline to thriving, and promote wellness and wholeness in longevity.
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"Pathways to Elderhood" focuses on educating younger adults about the realities of aging, promoting respect, and creating a society where elderhood is valued. By bringing awareness, providing knowledge, and fostering connections between generations, we aim to shift the mindset from seeing aging as a decline to seeing it as a time of thriving and wellness. Through this program, younger adults gain a deeper understanding of the aging process, helping to build a community that values and supports its elder members.
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