Public interest in intergenerational (IG) programs and practices is strong, fueled by an aging society and a sense that younger and older people have skills and talents that can help mutually address each other’s needs and aspirations. Research on IG programs indicates that participants (of all ages) become less susceptible to negative age-based stereotypes, derive richer life perspectives, learn new skills, expand their social support networks, and find new pathways for civic engagement and community service. As the IG field continues to take form and grow on a national and international level, there is a need to develop more effective training for professionals in this field and to promote wider access to new resources, program models, support systems, and evaluation research attesting to program efficacy.
Charles Grossman (left), a resident at Foxdale Village, and Matthew Olivia, a student at the Friends School, share a quiet moment of reading together, State College, PA. Photo: Mary Ann Curren, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Foxdale Village.
"Penn State Intergenerational Program:" Service Delivery Strategies
Public Education
- Article Series
- Newsletters, News Releases, Etc.
- Resources (Handouts)
- Public Presentations
- Intergenerational Pathways for Strengthening Communities: This is a 17-minute video montage created for the opening session of the Generations United 17th International Conference (2013). It consists of 17 video clips from program documentaries, commercials, movie trailers, and other clips that highlight issues related to intergenerational relationships, programs, and practices. In addition to introducing the 7 pathways used to frame the conference, this video can be used as an outreach education tool for introducing some of the breadth and depth of the intergenerational studies field.
- Database ( Resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in PA )
Activity Packages
- Tools and Resources for Intergenerational Learning (TRIAL) "Toolboxes"
- Proverbs Curriculum (for Intergenerational and Intercultural Understanding)
- Futures Festival: An Intergenerational Special Events Model
- Generation Celebration Curriculum (Revised)
- Intergenerational Activities Sourcebook
Demonstration Programs-Design & Test Intergenerational Models in Various Contexts
- Environmental Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Community Planning/Visioning
- Farm Continuity Planning
- Retirement Communities
General Areas of Consultation
- Intergenerational Program Planning and Evaluation
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Task Force and Support Group Development)
- Intergenerational Networks:
- Network Formation
- Network Sustainability
For more information on the Penn State Intergenerational Program, contact: Matt Kaplan, Ph.D., Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging
Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education
Penn State University
7A Ferguson
University Park, PA 16802
E-mail: msk15@psu.edu
Ph: (814) 863-7871
Contact Information
- Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging
- Email msk15@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-7871
Contact Us
- Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging
- Email msk15@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-7871
Contact Us
- Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging
- Email msk15@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-7871
