In Saskatoon, Canada, sixth graders spend their school year engaging in activities and conversations alongside seniors living in a long-term care center. This unique intergenerational program not only sparks joy but also promotes health and social connection for both students and elders.
- Students and elders share experiences over 10 months in a community center.
- Meaningful interactions link to better mood, health, and kindness daily.
- Benefits grow stronger as relationships deepen through the school year.
What happened
Throughout the school year in Saskatoon, a group of sixth graders spent time outside their regular classrooms by interacting with residents of the Sherbrooke Community Centre, a long-term care facility. Their days included varied activities such as journaling, learning new technology, writing limericks, gardening, helping in the gift shop, and collaborating on art projects. Many of the residents face challenges such as dementia, but these joint activities fostered connection and engagement.
Research on this intergenerational program, called iGen, involved surveys of 25 students, three elders, and eight care staff. Participants rated their daily interactions, emotions, physical health, acts of kindness, and feelings of belonging over 10 consecutive days in early fall and again in early summer. The findings highlighted that meaningful interactions both within and between age groups positively influenced participants’ well-being and social connectedness.
Why it feels good
The study revealed that days with more meaningful intergenerational engagement correlated with improved emotional and physical health, stronger social bonds, and increased kindness. Interestingly, the benefits were more pronounced in interactions between the different age groups than among peers within the same generation. As relationships matured over the school year, the positive impacts intensified, suggesting that sustained connection makes these exchanges particularly valuable.
One resident described a transformation from daily despair to anticipating joyful days through the program, while a participating student said the experience helped her grow personally by learning new stories and games. These stories illustrate how the program brings renewed purpose and happiness, especially as the younger and older generations learn from and support each other.
What to enjoy or watch next
Programs like iGen offer a promising model for fostering inclusive and happier communities by bridging the generation gap in meaningful ways. As schools and community centers explore ways to enrich curricula and social programs, intergenerational engagement can be a powerful component in enhancing well-being and learning simultaneously.
Future initiatives may look to expand on this approach, integrating multi-generational activities that promote mental health, cognitive vitality in elders, and social skills in youth. Watching how these programs evolve and the outcomes they produce could inspire broader adoption and innovation in education and elder care environments alike.