Windsor Place Age to Age Learning

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 Windsor Place Age to Age Learning, based in Iola, Kansas.

(Check our archives for parts 1-25.)

Windsor Place is a skilled nursing center in Iola. They are unique in that they have not only older people there, but they also have an "age to age" program with the Iola school system, which results in a pre-school classroom in the building. The kids and the elders have so much fun together!

In addtion, they offer a "Home Again" wing for short term Medicare people needing therapy and are planning to go back to their home in the community.  In addition,   they have a wellness center for the community to come in and use.

The Iola school district chose to place their preschool at Windsor Place in 2010, and after one full year, the whole community is chalking it up as a success!  This is a legacy that began with an idea and grew to fruition in Iola. The facility is excited to be able to host a classroom and continue the fight against loneliness, helplessness and boredom  for the elderly, as well as provide an unique education to each of the children.

This "age to age" classroom is organized where children are partnered at various points throughout the day with the elders (also called "grandmas" or "grandpas") to read, exercise and learn valuable lessons that only the elders can provide.

The grandmas and grandpas are always excited about meeting the children as they come in the first thing in the morning. The staff is excited to see the residents much more intereseted in getting up and getting their day started all because "It's a school day!"

The grandmas and grandpas also have the luxury throughout the day of getting to watch the preschoolers at work in the classroom by way of a large glass viewing window.

These pictures were taken the first day of school and meeting the new grandmas/grandpas was a whole new experience for the preschoolers. By the end of the year, last year's preschoolers didn't want to leave, and the grandmas and grandpas were equally sad.  This

is just the second "age to age" classroom in Kansas and visitors are welcome to come into Windsor Place and peer through the large classroom window, or maybe, you will be there at the right time to see the grandmas and grandpas actually engaging with the preschoolers.

There are two groups of preschoolers:

You can visit at these times as the children have eaten and are ready to learn.

Ooen Monday-Friday 8:30a.m-11:15a.m.;12:30p.m.-2:45p.m.

Either way, it is an exploration you will get a kick out of! Call ahead or consult the front desk for a visit.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to ourIntergenerational Connections Facebook Group or just text us through the FacebookMessenger 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.

AGE to age

(PHOTO: Joe Rossi) Kateisha and Tom.
Learn more about these two.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Each week, we'll feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This new 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 part three of our series, we feature the Northland Foundation’s AGE to age program, a 2012 Program of Distinction designee. (Read parts one and two)

Bringing generations together in an intergenerational grassroots initiative, AGE to age is designed to connect youth with older adults to build relationships and enhance their communities.

It certainly enhanced Rita Baresh’s quality of life. The 70-something volunteer, of Moose Lake, Minn., divided her time between the Moose Lake KIDS PLUS and AGE to age initiatives, resulting from the Northland Foundation’s partnership with Moose Lake community members.

A 2012 article in the Northland Foundation’s newsletter captured Baresh’s excitement.  “When I see a child from KIDS PLUS or AGE to age Gener-Reader at the super market or in the school halls,” she said, “and they run up for that extra hug or say, ‘When am I going to see you next?’ – wow, it is beyond words.”

This initiative provides an avenue for different generations to overcome age stereotypes, establish friendships, and pool their strengths for civic good.

Over 1,200 people age 55+, 2,400 youth and 1,300 adults from the generations in between have been touched by this program, and momentum continues to grow.

AGE to age’s “secret of success” lies in nurturing respectful relationships and empowering communities to embrace the unique talents of all ages.

“It is inspiring to hear all that the AGE to age sites have been accomplishing, as well as learn of intergenerational activities taking place in other KIDS PLUS Communities,” explained Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director. “We are lucky to live in such an exceptional place where all age groups are valued.” 

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Then here's your chance to get on our blog and get promoted through our social media and weekly e-newsletter! We want to hear from you.