Introduction

Intergenerational Program

Myths Vs Facts

Comparisons

Problems & Issues

Facts - Older Adults

Recruitment

Getting Started

Agenda

Conclusion

Tips

 

Youth at Risk Site

STU Home

Won’t there be problems?

Even though I have information about youth and seniors, won’t there be a lot of concerns about bringing the two groups together? What are the main concerns?

Research was conducted with a cross section of youth and older adults to ask them these very questions. While it appears that there are a number of questions that people have about the viability of an Intergenerational program for youth and older adults, those concerns are not insurmountable.

It is important to know before hand what some of the issues might be in order to plan for an effective way of handling any potential conflict.

Key Issues for Youth in an Intergenerational Program

  • There might not be a commonality
  • Youth might not find it interesting, or a waste of time
  • Youth might wonder how it would help them; “will I be expected to talk about my problems
  • Youth might get attached to the older adult and then s/he passes away
  • Youth need the older adult to be a friend and not an authority
  • Why should I trust the program? What will the older adults tell?
  • Concerns about whether seniors will even try to understand the youth
  • Older adults night not respect the youth
  • Youth may think that older adults will tell them things that are outdated or old fashioned
  • Concern by the youth that the guidance that they are receiving from the older adults is legitimate.
  • Youth may feel the older adults won't be able to hear
  • ” Will I be treated like a criminal ?” “ Will they look down on me?
  • Youth may feel there is nothing in common
  • Youth might think older adults are afraid if them
  • Youth may fear being judged or rejected by the older adult

Key Issues for Older Adults in an Intergenerational Program

  • Older adults may not be able to physically keep up with the youth
  • Older adults may fear being taken advantage of by the youth and may not be able to trust them.
  • Older adults might not be given the respect they deserve from the young people because the youth have different attitudes, morals and beliefs
  • Older adults will be concerned about their safety; also concerns about physical and mental abuse.
  • Older adults might be afraid of youth because of stereo types
  • Older adults might be worried about what to say and do “I might not say the right things to help them
  • Older adults might think that youth will taunt them for being old
  • Older adults may be afraid of being robbed.
  • Older adults might see youth as “punks” or “hooligans”
  • Older adults may fear being physically harmed, assaulted by the youth
  • Older adults may not be able to communicate well with the young people due to new slang, and new terms.