‘Isn’t that wonderful?’: Intergenerational programs combat loneliness, create purpose for seniors

Research shows the model can benefit multiple generations by bringing them together to participate in ongoing, mutually beneficial activities. Oklahoma officials are looking to expand the programs to accommodate the state’s aging population.

At Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie, circle time is an activity for all ages. The facility hosts an all-day, intergenerational pre-K in partnership with Guthrie Public Schools. The nursing home provides the classroom and playground, and the district supplies curriculum and instructors.

This year’s class and Golden Age residents are just starting to get to know each other. They gathered in the nursing home’s lobby to play “show and share.” Students brought everything from a stuffed cat named “Kitty” to a brontosaurus figurine.

And Golden Age resident Brenda Gilliland brought her porcelain doll, Lady Mary. She got the doll later in life because her parents couldn’t afford one. She said sharing Lady Mary with students brought back memories.

“It was a lot of fun, and I hope that some of them will get some dolls, and maybe later they can share their story,” Gilliland said.

Intergenerational programs combat loneliness, create purpose for seniors | KGOU - Oklahoma's NPR Source