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An Intergenerational Partnership Between a College and Congregate Housing Facility

How It Works, What It Means

^a Gerontology Institute, Center for Health Sciences, Ithaca College, NY

Correspondence: John A. Krout, PhD, Gerontology Institute, 407 Center for Health Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14850. E-mail: krout{at}ithaca.edu.

Decision Editor: Eleanor S. McConnell, RN, PhD

Purpose: We describe the goals, development, operation, and outcomes of an intergenerational programmatic relationship between a private comprehensive college and a congregate facility that houses both independent-living apartments and assisted living for older adults. Design and Methods: Activities are based on a communal-developmental model that promotes "learning with" as opposed to "doing for." We identify key components involved in implementing such a model and provide examples of the activities that constitute the programmatic relationship. We also identify program implementation challenges and discuss outcomes. Results: Faculty and students report that partnership activities provide excellent opportunities for increasing the understanding of aging and older adults. Residents report programs provide social, recreational, and educational benefits. Implications: Programmatic partnerships between colleges and residential facilities for older adults provide many benefits for students and residents. They require shared responsibility, deliberate and creative planning, and ongoing coordination.

Key Words: Intergenerational programming • Academic partnership • Retirement communities • Assisted living

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