Ms. Kelley Sheldon

Kelley Sheldon, Intergenerational Specialist at On Lok explains further: "Intergenerational programs in the U.S. were usually started by an enthusiastic parent, possibly eager to replicate the way she was brought up, and then fizzled out due to lack of support and structure.Here at On Lok, we created an actual position to ensure that intergenerational care was given the importance it deserves."

There are many advantages of intergenerational care, and many proponents of this discipline have their own favorites.Kelley: "For many of the seniors, the hugs and kisses they get from the kids is the only physical contact they ever have that's not medical and invasive.The rest of the week they are jabbed by needles and maneuvered by staff.The kids learn not to be scared or intimidated by seniors and the medical equipment that often dominates their daily life.We were all kids, and we will all be old.Programs such as these keep us in touch with where we came from, and where we will go."

Changing lives
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Kelley has many stories about lives that were changed through On Lok's intergenerational program.She tells of a severely depressed senior man who was 'adopted' by one of the youngsters."Possibly for the first time ever, this man received unconditional love," Kelley explains."The change in his life was unbelievable, and the small child was largely responsible for this."

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Kelley believes that spending time with the kids also gives the seniors the time to reflect on the continuity of their lives, and teaches the kids how to cope with death and loss as a natural part of life."Our programs enhance the wellness of the seniors," Kelley says, "as well as teaching the kids how to accept the frail elderly as a regular part of their lives."

But intergenerational care is not for everyone, as Kelley explains."Some kids just don't like the seniors how ever hard we try, and some seniors really don't want their days interrupted by hoards of tiny hyperactive kids rushing around.It very much depends on individual personalities, and that's how we design and implement the programs."A lot of time and care is taken to ensure that the programs offered at On Lok are not insulting to the seniors, and that there is a balance between diversity and repetition, structure and spontaneity.

Staff members at On Lok however have noticed an "unusual sameness" in the two generations.Apparently, both groups thrive on routine, have a short attention span, enjoy celebrations such as birthdays and holidays, and almost everyone gets excited about eating, says Kelley.

* * *

When it's time to go, the kids at On Lok wave their energetic good-byes around the dining room, help clean up the mess they made in the arts and crafts room, and then clamber all over So Po-Po for one last kiss and snuggle.Until next week. . .

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As Kelley Sheldon, MEd, Intergenerational Specialist at On Lok Senior Health in San Francisco, said of the preschoolers in the shared-site facility that is one of several On Lok programs, "the children are learning more than colors and numbers.They're learning life lessons.It's great when a four-year-old, who developmentally is egocentric, shows sensitivity to an older person."

Planning Makes It Work

Bonding between youngsters and the elderly does not necessarily occur just because the two groups find themselves in the same room.Professionals involved in successful intergenerational programs stress the need for advance planning to foster the experience.
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"Activities should be pleasurable for both the children and the adults," added Ms. Sheldon."We don't want the seniors to think that the activity is childish."When an intergenerational activity at On Lok involves water coloring, therefore, "the children use thick brushes, but the adults can choose a finer brush," she said.

Reading Children love to have stories read to them, and school-age children can reciprocate by reading aloud on their visits.Rainbow Bridge has a program called Project Story, which pairs students reading below grade level with retired teachers and librarians in assisted living facilities.
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"We always have one or two intergenerational staff members, plus the teacher and whatever adults come with the children," said Ms. Sheldon.

Long-term care facilities that share space with child care programs have separate staffs for children and adults.