The Intergenerational Rock Band

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, we feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

This week’s cool ideas is the annual 

Intergenerational Rock Band of Drury University in Missouri, which brings together Drury music therapy students along with older adults to perform a wide range of songs.

(Check our archives for parts 1-64.)

Older adults come from The Gardens retirement facility and Drury's Institute of Mature Learners.

“The values inherent in music can transcend age, and we always pick songs that are about the importance of living for the moment with a positive message everyone can relate to,” said Dr. Natalie Wlodarczyk (Wool-dar-zik), assistant professor of music therapy.

Some residents suffer from dementia and do not recall ever having attended practice, but their knowledge is evident when they sing along with every song.

Dr. Wlodarczyk says residents can remember the music, but not having attended practice because music is stored in a different part of the brain.

She adds that the music also helps the residents with cognitive abilities.

The seniors and the students both enjoy their time together. Drury student Tyler Stokes, a guitar player for the band, said, “Anyone can be hip or rock. It is a state of mind not an age or stereotype.”

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group. We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.

Generation Exchange

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, we feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

In the latest of series, we feature Generation Exchange, based in Kansas City, MO.

(Check our archives for parts 1-31.)

Generation Exchange is an intergenerational storytelling (oral history) project designed to increase social interaction between youth and older adults.

Generation Exchange also offers the opportunity to preserve and carry on local history to future generations.

Through Generation Exchange, every older adult in the greater Kansas City region will have the opportunity to tell their story.

The goal of this project is to create a collection of stories that document memories and experiences related to neighborhood life, historical events, and cultural experiences that shaped the lives of previous generations.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group or just text us through the Facebook Messenger app (friend me to join our Cool Intergenerational Ideas group discussion). We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.

World Humanitarian Day

PHOTO: umc.org

The spirit of World Humanitarian Day, Aug. 19, is alive in Ferguson, Missouri. Generations United applauds the church leaders, who, in the days following the police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown, teamed up and are now acting as neighborhood peacemakers.

For decades, these intergenerational institutions helped reaffirm each community member’s value, despite their age and other differences.

In her article for the United Methodist Church of Nashville, Heather Hahn reported on the church leader’s efforts: 

When unrest led the Ferguson-Florissant School District to cancel classes, the church welcomed children with educational games and healthy food so parents could work without scrambling for childcare Friday.  Members of other area United Methodist churches volunteered to help, and the Missouri Annual (regional) Conference provided financial support for the church’s outreach this week.

In partnership with the Association of Black Psychologists, Ferguson’s Wellspring Church is offering community members prayers and counselling.

These humanitarian efforts show the power of all ages…because we’re stronger together.