Storied Lives

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 Storied Lives, which pairs service-minded high-potential students who love to write with the elderly living in residential care homes, who are often lonely and want to tell their stories.

(Check our archives for parts 1-71.)

Over the course of a program, the students will spend quality time with their assigned elderly person, getting to know them, writing a story about their life, and finally, presenting the story to their resident at the program’s closing ceremony.

The program was founded in 2012 in Morris County, NJ, pairing students from West Morris Mendham High School with elderly residents at Morris Hills Center in Morristown, NJ.

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.

The Only Safe Place He Had

This story first appeared in our State of Grandfamilies in America: 2015 report.

As a line lead for his job in the mobile canning and bottling industry, the farthest Chad Dingle has ever traveled is about five hours from his Oregon home. But, in life, he has traveled more than any 23-year-old should ever have to go.

With his mother and father trapped in alcoholism and drug abuse, Dingle spent infancy and his toddler years neglected and abused – memories that only came back in nightmares – until his grandmother could get full custody when he was 3 and she and her newly-wed husband could adopt him when he was 4, diagnosed with something not a lot of people knew about at the time: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“One thing I’ve noticed is that most people go to grandma’s house and get spoiled,” Dingle said. “But for me, it was the only safe place I had. I never liked going back to my parents’ house. Getting to live with grandma was like ‘going to grandma’s house’ all the time. I had more love there than anywhere else in my life.”

The journey toward wholeness continued through the PTSD, bullying from other children, anger, depression, cutting, suicidal thoughts and much more. “It was a tough position (for my grandmother) to be in. She wasn’t my mom, but she was. She dropped everything, including a good job, and became a stay-at-home mom for me – everything to provide the safest home for me.”

The years of learning how to navigate the complex legal, emotional, financial and physical issues have resulted in three books written to help families in similar situations. In her book, Second Time Around: Help for Grandparents Who Raise their Children’s Kids, Dingle’s mom, Joan, stressed the critical role that quality, professional counseling and support services play in helping grandfamilies succeed and thrive. Together, Dingle and his mom wrote Addiction & Families and the just-released Raising Children of Alcoholics & Drug Users.

“It took me a long time because I was a rebel as a kid,” Dingle said. “I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that (my mom/ grandmother) did save my life. She is the strongest woman I’ve ever known. I’m a complete mama’s boy. I know where my half siblings are now – really messed up – and that could have been me.”

Today, Dingle still grapples with residual matters. For example, he said he contacted his birth father two years ago and is still trying to figure out whether he wants him in his life. “It’s been a lot,” Dingle reflected.

Yet, any miles he travels will now include his wife. “We were high school sweethearts – went to separate high schools and had about five or six years when we hardly ever saw each other,” Dingle said. And, they will include the couple’s baby, expected with great excitement this year.

“Family doesn’t have to be blood. It really comes down to the relationships you can have,” Dingle said. “Whoever loves you, and you love, is your family.”

Learn more about Chad Dingle, Joan Callander Dingle and their books.

LIFE - Living (well through) Intergenerational Fitness and Exercise

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 LIFE - Living (well through) Intergenerational Fitness & Exercise - in Iowa, a program led by younger adults that increases access for at-risk older rural populations to sustainable, low cost, physical activity programming.

(Check our archives for parts 1-70.)

The LIFE Program is a twenty-four week physical activity program that uses low-impact, moderate activities guided by the exergaming tool, Kinect®, and is intended for physically inactive older adults.

The theory-based LIFE program aims to connect the generations, improving aging perceptions in young adult trainers while providing socialization for the older adult participants.

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.

JCA Heyman Interages Center - Intergenerational Bridges

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.

Courtesy of JCA Heyman Interage Center

This week’s cool ideas is JCA Heyman Interages Center - Intergenerational Bridges in Maryland that builds relationships between older adult volunteers and at-risk immigrant students through a weekly after school mentoring program in elementary, middle and high schools.

(Check our archives for parts 1-69.)

The JCA Heyman Interages® Center intergenerational programs have brought children and older adults together for 30 years.

Since 1986, thousands of children from hundreds of schools and hundreds of isolated older adults from senior facilities have benefited from participation in our programs.

Over the years hundreds of dedicated and caring older adult volunteers, who are the heart of Interages, have made a significant difference in the lives of children.

Student outcomes include improved English communication and language skills, strengthened academic success strategies, enhanced transition to life in the United States, and increased self-confidence.

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.

Carlisle, MA Intergenerational Road Races

This guest post appears courtesy of Patti Russo of Carlisle, Massachusetts. All photos courtesy of The Carlisle Mosquito.

Walk or Run! Just Have Fun!

On a cold and rainy Veterans Day in Carlisle, MA, over 160 runners and walkers toed the starting line for the town’s first intergenerational road races. Participants ranged in age from 4-91.

This event “for all ages” is one of many intergenerational events sponsored by the Carlisle Council on Aging (COA).

With all ages in mind, the race committee chose to make the race a “run/walk” instead of only a run to make it accessible to older adults. Both races included winning age group categories of 80-89 and 90+ in order to recognize older participants.

Several grandparents participated with their grandchildren.

Charlie Rubel, 6, with his grandfather
Kevin Smith. (Photo by Ellen Huber)

Among them was Kevin Smith who ran the one-mile race with 6-year-old grandson, Charlie. Charlie earned a medal for the 10 and under age group. Kevin, who won in the 60-69 age group, said that he and Charlie had a wonderful time together and hoped to run again next year. 

The Reid/Plante family also had a multigenerational showing. 

Kate and Mark Reid ran the one-mile race with their 6-year-old grandson, Roland Plante, while Alison and Doug Plante, Roland’s parents, ran the 5K.

There was a lot of positive energy and a great intergenerational vibe throughout the morning. 

It was cool to see all ages pin on a bib and bond over this shared experience of running a race together. Seventy doesn’t seem all that different from 17 when everyone’s out there finishing a race in the rain.

I know I speak for the entire race committee when I say how pleased we are with the way the day unfolded. 

In one morning, we honored veterans and shattered (or at least cracked) a few stereotypes about what it means to be an older adult, we supported nationwide public health initiatives to sit less and move more, and we provided an opportunity for the community to gather and connect. 

Click here to view enlarged image. (Left Photo by Beth Clarke) Gertrud Behn, left, and Jean Sain
finish the race with Sain first in her age category (80-89) and Behn one second behind in the same age
group. (Center Photo by Ellen Huber) Tahleen Shamlian, left, (20-29) and Patti Russo (50-59) both
won their respective age groups in the 5K race. (Right Photo by Beth Clarke) Angela Smith and
Santo Pullara cross the one-mile finish line. Pullara, 91, was the oldest finisher.

Everyone’s asking for more, so it looks like the Carlisle Intergenerational Road Races will be an annual event.

Read the Carlisle Mosquito's story on the Carlisle Intergenerational Road races.

Patti Russo, race committee member, is a Certified Poetry Therapist and a strong advocate of intergenerational programs and policies. She lives and runs in Carlisle, MA.

Urban Warriors

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 Urban Warriors, a program of the YMCA of Metro Chicago and the Adler School of Professional Psychology, that pairs youth from Chicago’s roughest neighborhoods with military veterans.

(Check our archives for parts 1-68.)

The program was featured in a July 11, 2014 Chicago Tribune article. According to that piece, some of the program’s young participants were referred by their schools or the justice system.

The program is part of the Y’s broader “focus on treating mental and emotional wounds that youths growing up in Chicago’s more fractured communities suffer.”

The Tribune article shed light on the hard lives of Alex (who was 18 at the time of the article) and Sammy (who was 15).

“I’ve seen people get shot,” Alex told the Tribune reporter, Annie Sweeney. “It does...mess my head up. But I’m living it every day. So, like, I guess I put up with it.”

“Right when I walked outside they shot someone at the corner,” recalled Sammy, who the Tribune noted is not in a gang. “Then they started chasing me and shooting. ...I got away. Again. That was my second time.”

Luckily for the young men, the vets chosen for the Urban Warrior project could relate.

Many of them not only suffered stress from their experiences in combat, but, like Alex and Sammy, they also grew up in Little Village and knew the dangers youth faced on the streets.

Read the full Chicago Tribune article.

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.

Road Scholar Intergenerational Programs

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 Road Scholar Intergenerational Programs, which were designed for adults (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, or authorized family friends) to participate in a learning adventure with their young relatives or friends.

(Check our archives for parts 1-67.)

These programs allow older adults to get to know their younger generations better. Programs exist throughout the country.

Nancy Nathan, a Washington-based television news journalist and freelance travel writer, recounted her experience in a Washington Post article.

“We chose the Grand Canyon trip from a list of more than 60 very reasonably-priced grandparent-grandchild possibilities, from Hawaii to Yellowstone, Chicago to Chincoteague,” she wrote.

“Road Scholar — the “lifelong learning” tour group formerly known as Elderhostel and mostly aimed at older adults — expands its intergenerational tour listings by 10 percent each year.”

Learn more from Nancy’s article.

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.

Collaborating Across Generations

This post appears courtesy of Meaghan McMahon, a former Generations United intern.

If there’s anything I enjoy while serving as Aging2.0 DC’s director of Outreach and Communication, it’s accelerating innovation and improving the lives of older adults around the world.

It’s an exciting and engaging vision no matter your age. And it’s a mission our community members can get behind.

We saw that this past summer, when our volunteer team hosted an Intergenerational Innovations event at 1776, a global incubator and seed fund helping startups transform industries.

The standing-room only audience listened carefully as a panel of entrepreneurs, aging industry experts, community leaders and a representative from the DC Office on Aging shared their thoughts on collaborating across generations and business sectors to build age-friendly cities.

Click the image to enlarge.

Among them was Jeremy Dabor, chief production officer of the Toronto-based startup Sensassure, which developed and fine-tuned their incontinence sensor solution, the Smart Patch, by temporarily living in an assisted living community in Columbia, MD.

The experience gave Jeremy’s team first-hand insight and input from consumers and care partners.

“It is one thing to design a product,” the 23-year-old noted, “and quite another to build it while living with your consumers.”

Jeremy’s comments echoed the sentiments of keynote speaker Donna Butts, who spoke on the importance of well-designed, intentional and purposeful intergenerational programs.

This past summer’s event was an attempt to answer one question that unifies 35 Aging2.0 chapters in 14 different countries: how can technology empower healthy aging?

Another attempt was developing a consumer panel made up of those over the age of 50, caregivers for that population, and professionals working to serve seniors in that demographic.

Entrepreneurs, according to IDEO designer Barbara Beskind, 91, must “design with, not for” their consumers.

That comment, delivered at the 2015 White House Conference on Aging, alluded to the vision of Katy Fike, Ph.D., who established Aging2.0 in 2012 with Stephen Johnston.

Today, the global innovation platform and business accelerator works for aging and senior care with a dedication to involving the 50-plus consumer population in evaluating and designing technology products.

The consumer panel has since grown to over 500 people globally, but with your help we can engage hundreds of thousands of people 50-plus in improving aging services and supports by educating and supporting innovators in the field through intergenerational design and collaboration.

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Meaghan McMahon is the director of Outreach and Communication for the Aging2.0 Washington DC Chapter, where she directs the group’s social media campaign to increase local partnerships and identify sponsors. She assists with planning and hosting quarterly chapter community events. Read her full bio.

Interested in having a global impact? Learn more about the Aging2.0 consumer panel.

Don’t miss the Aging2.0 AgeTech Expo November 19-20 in San Francisco where aging services providers and tech companies will join together to share cross-sector innovation insights and collaboration opportunities.

Grandparents University

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.

(PHOTO: SSEC) A Granddaughter shows off the satellite model
she constructed with her Grandfather.

This week’s cool ideas is Grandparents University, a summer camp that brings grandparents and their grandkids together for three days of fun on the campus of a college.

(Check our archives for parts 1-66.)

A variety of schools have this program, including Kansas State, Wisconsin-Madison, Oklahoma State, Western Washington, and West Chester.

This experience includes hands-on educational sessions conducted by faculty members along with other fun activities for grandparents and children ages 8 to 12.

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.

Grand School

Aaron with Grandma Grace in Ireland, outside of Kylemore Abbey
in the city of  Galway

EDITOR'S NOTE: Generations United shared an Oct. 24 Washington Post article through Facebook on millennials being caregivers to their elders. According to the article, one in four family caregivers is now 18-34. After reading this article, Aaron Larsen was moved to recount the value of his grandparents. Here's his story. 

This guest post and photos appear courtesy of Aaron Larsen, a digital marketing consultant and creator of GrandparentsAcademy.com.

In 2008, I graduated magna cum jobless and lived with my 80-year-old Grandma Grace.

At first, I felt like a complete and utter failure. I felt like I did everything right - got the grades, excelled in extra curriculars, etc. 

I did everything my wonderful teachers, counselors and society told me to do in order to get that great job out of college, but it simply wasn't in the cards. 

Because of that, I was in a bit of a dark place after graduating. I was lost. 

(PHOTO: Bill Wilhelm) Aaron with Grandma Grace, during her surprise
birthday celebration at a pub in Dublin, Ireland. 

Living with Grandma Grace at that time in my life was the blessing I needed. I taught her Facebook and she taught me the true value of family and faith. 

The next year, I decided to live with my Granny and Grandpa Grit. 

Grandpa Grit had suffered from a debilitating stroke that compromised his speech and mobility of half his body. 

Granny Grit was caring for him on her 4.5 acres of hillside country property (which included horses, dogs and a barn kitty), and was holding down a part-time job. 

Being there for Grandpa during his last year of his life was one of the toughest yet rewarding experiences. 

I learned a lot about what true grit and courage is. Most of all, I realized our time here is limited.

We must use it wisely. We must learn how to grow ourselves and others with love. 

Living with my grandparents in my 20's wasn't something I envisioned happening. It certainly wasn't mentioned in my high school valedictorian speech. 

But I believe I learned more from the "Grand School" years than I would have ever learned in Grad School. 

And even though it was unexpected and uncomfortable at times, the harvest was nothing short of divine. 

If younger generations have anything close to the experience I had, while living with and caring for grandparents, I have no doubt our society will be better for it. 

So please, next time you hear a critical word about the younger generation, please consider that maybe we aren't failing to launch by returning home to our parents or grandparents. 

Instead, we're returning to the garden to nurture the seeds that will grow the values in which our society appears to be in an ever shorter supply - faith, family, Grit and Grace.

Elders Share the Arts (ESTA)

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 Elders Share the Arts (ESTA) in New York, which offers high-caliber arts programming that ignites creative expression in young and old. 

(Check our archives for parts 1-65.)

ESTA cultivates elders' role as bearers of history and culture, while generating new pathways to connect them to their communities.

The residencies are a springboard for developing and researching replicable programs, and through our training we provide opportunities for organizations to help serve this growing population.

ESTA works to bridge communication and build relationships between young and old through innovative arts programs that offer students a positive perspective of the elderly.

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.

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.

The Villa Maria Childcare Center

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 idea is the Villa Maria Childcare Center, an intergenerational shared site in Fargo, North Dakota, where children and older adults connect.

(Check our archives for parts 1-63.)

The Villa Maria Childcare Center was opened in March 1980 and is governed and operated by the Villa Maria Resident Council.

The idea of having children in the nursing home setting was appealing, as children are a natural part of most people’s “home” environment and the goal of Villa Maria is to be as homelike as possible.

Thus, the children have much contact with the residents of the home; sending or hand-delivering cards for the hospitalized residents or on birthdays, visiting one-to-one in resident’s rooms, and participating in group activities together.

The residents become wonderful adoptive grandparents for the children and form special relationships that are beneficial to both the elderly and the children. This is a unique opportunity for many children who do not have grandparents in their lives.

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.

Generations United Welcomes New Board Members

Generations United elected two new members to its Board: Amanda Charlsie Cavaleri, founder and CEO of Connect the Ages, and Joseph Cuticelli, head of Seniors for Sodexo North America.

Amanda Cavaleri is a Millennial entrepreneur and global thought leader on a mission to build technology into a tool to bridge generations and foster purpose.

"I am thrilled to contribute a Millennial perspective and a gerontechnology background to the Generations United Board," Cavaleri said.

Her holistic approach and focus on value creation challenges the norm. She brings intergenerational and multidisciplinary innovation to the growing longevity economy in an energetic response to massive demographic, economic, policy, technological and workforce opportunities.

"Intergenerational collaboration has the potential to better our families, our schools, our aging experience, our communities and our world," Cavaleri said.

In 2014, she founded Connect the Ages, an intergenerational storytelling and mentorship program, through which elders teach young people about the values of being in the moment, learning from mistakes and intrinsic rewards while younger people help older adults feel relevant in their community and co-create avenues for continual contribution.


"The timing to bridge the generations is now," Cavaleri said. "I am honored to join Generations United on this journey."

As head of Seniors for Sodexo North America, Joseph Cuticelli is responsible for a business with $720 million in annual revenues that serves more than 400 client locations. He is a member of the North America Regional Leadership Committee for Sodexo, the 18th largest employer in the world and the leaders in delivering integrated facilities management, food service operations and recognition programs in 80 countries.

At Sodexo, he has held positions that include Vice President of Client Relations for Seniors, where he developed and executed a successful long-
term retention strategy and exceeding financial and sales targets. His other positions were Director of Business Development for Education, District Manager for Seniors and Area Generation Management for Seniors.

The Friendship Center

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 idea is the Friendship Center - an intergenerational child care facility in Hackettstown, New Jersey, that incorporates older adults from Heath Village (the adjacent retirement community) into its child care programs.

(Check our archives for parts 1-62.)

Senior volunteers assist the Friendship Center's professional staff by teaching Bible stories and foreign languages, conducting nature walks, providing musical accompaniment, reading stories, and supervising craft and woodworking projects.

Heath Village residents join with the children for special events and holiday celebrations, and pair off with them to be pen pals.

Most important, the Heath Village residents who share in the Friendship Center's activities bring their maturity and love of children to help create a warm, caring Christian environment, giving children the feel of a large extended family.

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.

Sustainable development through building age inclusive urban environment - UN International Day of Older Persons

Statement from the United Nations

Click here to view enlarged photo.

According to the newly released 2015 Revision of World Population Prospects, there are 901 million people aged 60 or over in 2015, making up 12 percent of the global population. With a 3.26 percent growth rate each year, the number of older persons in the world is projected to be 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050, and could rise to 3.2 billion in 2100.

Older persons are becoming an increasingly central demographic group in our world. To bring more attention to older persons, the United Nations is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on 1 October with the theme “sustainability and age inclusiveness in the urban environment”.

Events worldwide to celebrate older persons

Events marking the IDOP are scheduled around the world on 15 October, including a panel discussion in New York under the theme “Key components for age inclusiveness in urban environments”, a fundraising luncheon “Changing how we view older persons”, and another in Geneva, Switzerland titled “How to get to 100 and enjoy it!”.

“The steady increase in human longevity represents one of the greatest transformations and challenges of our time” Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General

The objectives of this year’s celebration are to draw attention to building age-inclusive cities in policy and technique scale, engaging older persons’ participation in city planning, building partnerships between government and the private sector to provide affordable and appropriate housing and transportation, as well as increasing inter-generational support for the social, economic and cultural arenas.

Keeping up with changing demographic trends

“The steady increase in human longevity represents one of the greatest transformations and challenges of our time. However, failure to keep pace with changing demographic trends will make it difficult to achieve a sustainable, secure and fulfilling future for people of all ages,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed during the celebrations of the day last year. He pointed out that to realize sustainable development, older persons are a vital factor that should be taken into account.

The challenges caused by older persons residing in urban areas stand out, due to the fact that the move of older people to cities is occurring at higher frequency and on a larger scale. Six out of every 10 people in the world are expected to reside in urban areas by 2030. Consistent with urbanization trends, the number of older persons is increasing most rapidly in urban areas in developing countries.

This means that the number of people over 60 living in cities may grow to over 900 million by 2015, making up a quarter of the total urban population in developing countries. Based on these facts, the impact of the new urban environment on older persons, as well as the impact of older persons on the new urban environment, takes centre stage at this year’s event.

“In this effort, we must address shifting demographics, especially the needs and concerns of the world’s increasing number of older persons,” Ban Ki-moon said.

Strengthening human rights protection

In recent decades, the UN has made efforts within various areas affecting older persons’ lives, including strengthening their human rights protection, promoting a society for all, realizing longevity and reducing aging pressures occurring in social settings. This year, the commemoration seeks to demonstrate that an age-inclusive agenda is crucial for sustainable urban environments to promote equity, welfare and shared property for all.

Along with the IDOP celebration, the World Population Ageing Report 2015: Highlights is expected to be launched in October. The report will further illustrate the global trends in population ageing and include a series of indicators of the ageing process by development regions, major areas, regions and countries.

Silver Kite

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 idea is Silver Kite, an intergenerational theatre company and arts program that’s connecting Washington state’s teens and older adults.

(Check our archives for parts 1-61.)

Silver Kite specializes in intergenerational drama curricula and program facilitation which unite generations by harnessing life stories as a basis for art-making, using creative play, storytelling, movement, and visual arts to share experiences, boost self-esteem, foster empathy and strengthen connections to self and community.

As an intergenerational theatre company, Silver Kite is a resident partner at the George Center for Community, where they offer family arts workshops, arts happy hours, storytelling open mic events, and classes for both teens and older adults.

Silver Kite also develops and facilitates programs in the community, partnering with K-12 schools, retirement communities, community centers, NGOs, and other organizations.

Their intergenerational theatre company is currently on tour with their original production of "A String."

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.

The Resounding Resiliency of Grandfamilies: Generations United's Statement

Approximately 2.7 million grandparents in the United States are responsible for raising their grandchildren. More than one in five of these grandparents live below the poverty line. Yet their circumstances are often overlooked when trying to strengthen the financial lives of families in lower-income communities.

Despite these hardships, grandfamily households are a better alternative to placing children in non-relative care. Children raised in kinship care, or what are commonly referred to as grandfamilies, fare better than those placed in the care of non-relatives. They are more likely to report feeling loved, achieve stability, stay connected to their brothers and sisters and understand their roots and culture. They are also more likely to have a couch to crash on when they’re too old to stay in the foster care system.

And even though these grandparent caregivers are skilled money managers, they just don’t have enough to stretch when they take on raising their grandchildren.

We partnered with CFED and Citi Community Development to get a better understanding of grandfamilies, their financial lives and how the available resources can better serve them. The findings are included in our report, The Resounding Resilience of Grandfamilies: Financial Stories from Older Relatives Care for Children in Lower-Income Communities.

The report, based on interviews from 20 grandparent caregivers in Chicago and Trenton, NJ, includes stories of sacrifice. For many caregivers, sacrificing for the children meant giving up a life they envisioned. For others, these sacrifices meant giving up on thinking about the future (retirement, etc.).

These caregivers keep families together and save taxpayers $4 billion a year by keeping their grandchildren out of the foster care system.

Through our National Center on Grandfamilies, we work to enact policies and promote programs, like kinship navigators and respite care, which help grandfamilies address challenges. Research shows that programs like these can reduce costs and increase permanency, while resulting in fewer days in child welfare custody and lower rates of foster care reentry.

The Resounding Resiliency of Grandfamilies also highlights opportunities to help improve the financial situation of grandfamilies – from empowering caregivers to reach their financial goals, to seeking ways to build the capacities of caregivers’ social and family networks to financially support grandfamilies, to continuing to learn more about the financial lives of grandfamilies.

To learn more about the financial lives of the 2.7 million grandfamily caregivers in America, download The Resounding Resilience of Grandfamilies. To contribute to our knowledge about grandfamilies, share a story with us about a grandfamily in your community.

The Human Services Academy

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 idea is the Human Services Academy, the first intergenerational career-based program in Wisconsin, annually enrolling over one-hundred students.

(Check our archives for parts 1-60.)

Human Services Academy is unique in its opportunities for student involvement in the daily activities of community non-profit agencies.

The mission of the Academy is to create a lasting bond between generations while providing an education to youth in a quality intergenerational learning environment.

This hands-on classroom is located in a building shared with Child Care Centers of Marshfield-Tiny Tiger and Companion Day Services.

In the Marshfield Human Services Academy, education is a shared responsibility among students, teachers, parents, and the community.

Alliances have been created with individuals and agencies in our community using the talents, resources and expertise of many to create rigorous and relevant learning experiences for students.

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.

The Intergenerational Outreach Choir

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 idea is the Intergenerational Outreach Choir (IOCC), which is based in several locations in Oregon. IOCC's mission is connecting generations through song.

(Check our archives for parts 1-59.)

They strive to bring together intergenerational members of community through the formation of community choirs, to empower people to develop and value their own voices, to foster mutual understanding and respect among people of all ages and backgrounds, and to be a service to the public through the sharing of music and song.

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.

A Grandparents Day Tribute: Paul and Muriel Horansky

written by Emily Duda

“Are we there yet?” We’d start whining as soon as our loaded minivan started the mountainous incline to Grammy and Grandpa’s house. Our family’s 10-hour drive from Virginia to New Hampshire was usually bearable until those last thirty minutes of anticipation.

When we’d finally pull into the driveway, the car was hardly in park before my siblings and I were barreling to the front door. Those of us still tiny enough would line up and beg for our turn to be lifted into Grandpa’s arms. “Up the stairs… went the bears… up, up, up!” he’d sing as he carried us around the house, one-by-one, exploring every room. Being one of 24 cousins, what a treat it was to have my special time with Grandpa- just us.

On summer trips, we’d spend our days at Lake Winnipesauke. Grammy would pack lunch and Grandpa would meet us in the afternoon, always stubbornly refusing to take off his sneakers in the sand. On other days, we’d join Grandpa in his element at the blueberry farm. The owners knew him by name and were excited to see which of us kiddos he had in tow. Our pickings would go straight back to Grammy, patiently waiting in the kitchen to whip up her famous blueberry buckle. I would watch in awe as she’d resist the urge to taste the sweet batter, scraping the bowl to the very last drop. When it was finally time to eat dessert, we’d always make them retell the story about the time our aunt had a blueberry stuck in her nose, laughing until milk came out of ours.

In the winter, the snowcapped mountains were Grandpa’s playground- the reason retirement lured them to New Hampshire in the first place. We’d join him on the slopes and watch as he whizzed by skiers half his age. Grammy would wait for us down at the lodge, eager to press her warm rosy cheeks against our cold ones as soon as we were ready to hang up our hats for the day. When we made it back to their house, we could count on a cozy night’s sleep, followed by a big bowl of Fruity Pebbles in the morning. The sweet cereal was Grandpa’s guilty pleasure- and his secret to aging in style. “Chin over your dish”, he’d warn as I’d scarf down a second bowl.

Nearly twenty years later, I can still smell, and hear, and taste those childhood trips to New Hampshire. Grammy and Grandpa have since let go of mountain life to move back to Virginia, giving trips to their house new meaning. Our action-packed visits have turned to more peaceful quality time; soaking up stories from their past and relishing in the legacy they’ve created with our growing family. At age 27, it’s hard to imagine my 90-year-old self; but if I’m lucky, I will be embracing elderhood with the wisdom, persistence, and enthusiasm of my grandparents. Until then, please pass the Fruity Pebbles.

Witness Theater

PHOTO: Witness Theater

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 idea is Witness Theater, a unique intergenerational program that brings Holocaust survivors and teenagers together under the guidance of a drama therapist to develop a theatrical presentation of the survivors' Holocaust experiences.

(Check our archives for parts 1-58.)

Witness Theater is among the New York-area Jewish charities to which the Jewish Communal Fund (JCF) recently awarded a grant.

PHOTO: Stav Ziv

The $100,000 grant will bring this moving and powerful educational experience to the Ramaz School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, as well as cover the cost of a program director to oversee Witness Theater at a total of four schools.

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.

The Intergenerational Pen-Pal Program

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 idea is the Intergenerational Pen-Pal Program in Ohio, which fosters friendships between younger and older generations by pairing a class of third graders with attendees at a local senior center.

(Check our archives for parts 1-57.)

The students from Union Elementary School learned how to write letters and the value of friendships with older adults, while allowing older adults to bond with youth and keep their minds active.

In their letters, the third graders asked Fairhaven residents questions and shared the details of their lives: school field trips, visits to relatives, soccer games.

Many of the pen-pals developed friendships that outlasted the school year and a few still keep in touch.

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.

Manor of the Plains

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 idea is Manor of the Plains, an adult living facility based in Kansas where residents volunteer to be matched with a student from an immigrant family, and the group meets monthly throughout the school year.

(Check our archives for parts 1-56.)

Many of the children don’t have the opportunity to see their grandparents frequently, and this program gives them an opportunity to interact with a caring older adult.

The resident volunteers also help the children learn more about Midwestern culture as they share how times have changed since they were kids.

The year ends with a joint quilting project with the students making quilt squares depicting what they’d like to do when they grow up.

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.

Grand Camps and Grandparents and Grandchildren's Camp

Haw River State Park

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 are Grand Camps and Grandparents and Grandchildren’s Camp. Both camps engage all ages in amazing outdoor adventures.

(Check our archives for parts 1-55.)

The Grand Camps is a program of the Haw River State Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Grand Camps are for grandparents who would like to come to summer camp with a grandchild or two, or for children who would like to bring their grandparents to camp.

"The Illusion of Roughing It" at Grandparents and
Grandchildren's Camp - Great Camp Sagamore.

The Summit Environmental Education Staff of Haw River lead participants in many amazing park adventures.

Activities are based on weekly themes.

Grand Camps kicks off in Week 3 (August 5-7) of the Haw River Park summer program and concludes in Week 4 (August 12-14).

In Raquette Lake, New York, the Grandparents' and Grandchildren’s' Camp is a program of Great Camp Sagamore.

This authentic 1890s, 27-building National Historic Landmark has, for more than two decades, offered historically-based programs through day visits and multi-day/night residencies.

Their Grandparents’ and Grandchildren’s’ Camp sessions in July and August introduce an intergenerational curriculum using outdoor, historical, crafting and musical activities.

One of the most popular of these programs is “The Illusion of Roughing It,” a basic great camps course that teaches Gilded Age history and uses both Sagamore, the Vanderbilt Great Camp, and neighboring Great Camp Uncas that once belonged to J. P. Morgan.

All residential courses include room and board, the daily history tour, time for relaxation and reflection, and the opportunity to experience the same woods and waters that Durant did in 1897.

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.

Computer Buddies Program

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 idea is Computer Buddies Program, a pen pal program between youth and older adults in Wisconsin.

(Check our archives for parts 1-54.)

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program's (RSVP) volunteers in Dane County are matched with a student and correspond in pen pal fashion weekly or biweekly via electronic transmission – blog or e-mail.

The program provides the opportunity for students to practice their writing and computer keyboard skills while fostering a positive relationship between the 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. We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.

Grandparent/GrandChild Camp

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 idea is Grandparent/Grandchild Camp at Camp Phillip in Wisconsin, a half week day camp for grades K and up.

(Check our archives for parts 1-53.)

Adults and children camp in the campground with their equipment.

Grandparents and grandchildren join the staff who provide programs that encourage fellowship and interaction.

Two lunches are included for the children and grandparents.

There are optional activities for adults during the day.

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.

Submission Guidelines for Bookend Blogs

The Bookend Blog series got its name from our contributing writers, youth and older adults, both of whom we refer to as the "bookends" that hold our civil society together. 

Bookend bloggers comment on current events and offer generational perspectives. 

Interested in submitting a Bookend Blog for the Together Blog? 

We’re always looking for quality posts on intergenerational issues and would be happy to consider yours. Check out the guidelines below and contact Alan King if you have any questions.

Bookend Pairs

Preferably, we would like those interested in writing a Bookend Blog to already have a partner from another generation selected. 

When you contact Alan, please let us know your topic and why it's intergenerational. 

Post Title, Content, & Word Count
Your content must be original and cannot be plagiarized. Articles must have a title and should be 500-700 words in length.  If your article is more than 600 words, we may choose to shorten your article or create a series (i.e., multi-part post).

Bold Important Points: Online readers tend to skim through pieces, so web writers often put key points in bold type. This will help readers to easily identify your main points.

Contains links to other sites: Take advantage of the ability to link to other sites, documents, resources, etc. Drive traffic to other sources for more information on your blogging topic.

Include a picture when possible (and remember to give credit to the source)

Please submit the following information for the About the Author section:

1. Brief bio, including your title (e.g., Professional Organizer, Engineer, Blogger, Photographer, Speaker, etc.)
2. Links (e.g., website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
3. Other contact info (e.g., e-mail address or phone number)

Posting Date
Articles are scheduled based on openings on the Together Blog editorial calendar. Dates are subject to change. You can submit a post at any time and, if we decide to use it, we’ll let you know when it will be published. Note: we’ll tell you if we are unable to use your article.

Disclaimer
*Articles will be edited for grammar and clarity. We reserve the right to make changes to the content and title.” That said, your message will be conveyed as you intend it. It is important to us that your voice comes through your post (and not that of the blog owner).

Helpful tips on the tone of your blog post
· Be casual. Most blog readers don't generally respond to a formal, authoritative tone. Try to write in a tone that's natural, casual, and almost conversational. Imagine that you're writing for a guy who's sitting in his cubicle during his lunch break.

· Remember, it's a conversation. Keep the discussion open. You don't have to tie up all the loose ends and answer all questions by the end of a blog post. In fact, it's better to leave some questions asked and unanswered. Treat the first few paragraphs of your post as an invitation to hear your unique view; use the last couple of paragraphs to invite them into the conversation.

· Encourage comments from readers. Ask questions at the end of your post, when possible.

Silver Tunes for Golden Memories

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 idea is Silver Tunes for Golden Memories, a community service project where twin brothers, Daniel and Gabriel Vasquez, visit different adult day facilities, nursing homes and assisted living centers to play traditional music for older adults.

(Check our archives for parts 1-52.)

The performance includes traditional Latin songs, such as Siboney and Quizas Quizas Quizas, as well as traditional American songs, such as Frank Sinatra’s My Way.

These songs get older adults singing and dancing as they remember their youth.

It's musical therapy, stimulating elders’ minds and their memories. Some tell Daniel and Gabriel they haven't heard the song in over fifty years, and yet they still remember all the words.

They always ask the musicians to return soon, and their caretakers report that even after the performance the elders are more energized and joyful than usual.

The young musicians have visited over 50 centers with over 60 performances!

With Silver Tunes for Golden Memories, the Vasquez brothers often invite guest musicians to join them on stage.

Some concerts also include hands-on activities with older adults.

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.

TimeSlips Creative Storytelling – Creative Trusts - 2015 Programs of Distinction Designee

This program recruits, trains and coordinates undergraduate students to facilitate creative storytelling sessions with elders with cognitive disabilities in care communities affiliated with the Creative Trusts in Milwaukee.

Students commit to a semester of storytelling, but commonly continue for the full year. 

At year’s end, the stories are shared publicly to inspire others to use creative engagement to nurture relationships with people with cognitive disabilities. 

TimeSlips is used in service learning around the country, but the Creative Trusts offers a stable, shared governance of the program that is a national model for collaboration in this important area of need.

Learn about our other 2015 Programs of Distinction designees!