Running head: EFFECTS OF INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS ON THE ELDERLY 1

The Effects of Intergenerational Programs on the Well-Being of the Elderly

Grace Falvey, Shannon Fleming, Kailyn Ringel

Sacred Heart University

Health Research Capstone

HS-355-BB

Dr. Clotiolde Dudley-Smith

November 19th, 2019

Abstract
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Keywords: intergenerational, elderly, mental, physical, social, well- being

Table of Contents

Abstract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Literature Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Introduction

As an individual ages, there are many changes, which are a normal part of the aging

process . Those typically 65 and older experience changes that affect them socially,

mentally, and physically dealing with the changes that are happening to their bodies. Some
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examples of physical changes that are part of normal aging are increased sensitivity to glare and

clouded vision, having a difficult time hearing especially in a crowded room, decrease in bone

density and muscle mass which affects strength, coordination, stability, and balance, and

increased weight gain due to slower metabolism. While these are just a few examples of what

changes in body during aging, there are many more things that change that affect the overall

physical functioning of a person. With this comes a loss of independence and the need for help

when doing simple tasks or the inability to do them, such as walking or driving, which are things

they used to be able to do. Along with the mental changes that occur during the aging process,

this also contributes to an increased risk of developing depression. The Center for Disease

Control and Prevention estimates that 7 million Americans age 65 and older experience

depression each year. This could be for many different reasons such as loss of function and

independence, death of family and friends, and development of health conditions, such as cancer

or dementia. Furthermore, other mental changes that occur in older people is that they become

more forgetful and experience delayed reaction times, which also makes it harder for them to

function as well as they used to when they were younger.

Ageism are the myths and stereotypes created against individuals based on their age. This

is based on perceptions of others and their views of what it may mean to be “old.” Ageism

dramatically affects the cognitive and emotional behaviors making the elderly possibly feel

isolated from society. Many younger people may think the elderly are cranky, lonely, and very

dependent on others, which is not always the case. This could cause the elderly to look at aging

and themselves negatively, which it should be looked at like that because it is a natural process

that everyone goes through. The elderly still function and stay active, they just have to modify

things to find what they are capable of doing.

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Intergenerational programs are defined as activities or programs that increase

cooperation, interaction, or exchange between two generations, which is typically between the

youth and the elderly. They involve the sharing of knowledge, skills, or experience between the

old and the young. These types of programs are beneficial for both generations. Some of these

include reducing stereotypes, helping the elderly to socialize more and not isolate themselves,

helping both generations stay active, and give children adult relationships and guidance, which is

very much needed in some cases. They also have been found to help increase the physical and

social functioning of the edlerly, which also help them feel more confident in themselves and be

more satisfied with aging and their lives.

Literature Review

Methods

Results

Discussion
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Conclusion

Stuff to include:

Theories
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References

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