Generational Bridges: A Personal Account of the Transformative Power of Intergenerational Programs

By Fabian Venegas-Ramos, Digital Communications Coordinator, Generations United

Intergenerational shared sites are intentionally designed places that provide services/programs to multiple generations concurrently. They foster meaningful cross-age relationships with positive experiences for both age groups. Participants in these intergenerational programs benefit from engaging with others outside of their age group, challenging ageism present in our society by fostering understanding, empathy, and respect between generations.

Michael Wilson, Communications Specialist at St. Paul’s Senior Services in San Diego, California, sheds light on the transformative power of intergenerational programs through his own experiences and involvement at St. Paul’s Senior Services. Programs and services at St. Paul’s include senior living communities, a skilled nursing and rehabilitative center, a senior day program, a child care center, and four PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) medical centers.

In his early childhood, Michael attended the St. Paul’s Senior Services Child Care Program, an intergenerational shared site. Although it is difficult for him to remember specifics of the program, Michael shared “I was fortunate to be part of one of the starting cohorts of the child care program.” His time at the child care program would mark the beginning of his journey with St. Paul’s Senior Services.

Fast forward to his time in high school, Michael volunteered in the Memory Care Department, which cares for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. St. Paul’s Memory Care Department, “St. Paul’s Reflections,” focuses on compassionate transitioning, high caregiver standards, specialized life enrichment programming, and family engagement. For Michael, “seeing people in those caring positions — the CNAs, the nursing staff — the amount of patience that they have, and really the compassion that they bring to the forefront” played a significant role in his outlook on this industry, particularly in shaping his future goals in life. He stated, “This is an industry I want to be a part of. Making sure that there are supportive services that fully cover all that comes with the difficulties of aging and all that arises at this point in life… that you have the support and resources there for you.”

After graduating from high school, Michael’s first job was in the Dietary Department in the same facility where he volunteered. He engaged with independent living residents and learned more about their experiences and perspectives.

“Everybody has something to offer, and I think perspective is the biggest thing. Perspectives bring understanding. Perspective brings context. So, I just really enjoyed hearing those perspectives. There is a lot of things people have seen in their lifetime, have done in their lifetime… there’s always value that can be derived from any sort of perspective…value that we can take away from.”

Additionally, many young participants, like Michael, who engage in intergenerational programs, benefit from having older, positive role models and mentors. This unique opportunity allows them to gain understanding and wisdom from older adults. During Michael’s time working at a residential community, he had a profound experience connecting with a particular resident.

“He worked for the DEA with the government, so he had so many stories to tell. During that time, I was very into drug and law enforcement and all the history behind that. He was a part of so many things that I had come across in so many of my sociology classes. It was almost like bringing those aspects to life, like ‘wow, who would’ve thought that I’d meet somebody who was involved in what I’m reading in some of my classes.’ … You never know where someone comes from, what upbringing they had, and what they have experienced.”

While exploring what to do after his undergraduate program at UC Irvine, Michael was debating whether to pursue a career in sports marketing or the aging space. During this pivotal time, Michael reflected on his experiences at St. Paul’s Senior Services.

“What did I enjoy during my volunteer and work experience? I had really enjoyed being a part of St. Paul’s Senior Services because we were fostering that sense of community. So that really became my passion of being in this industry and it led me down this path of wanting to pursue nonprofit healthcare.”

Michael emphasized how intergenerational connections have changed his outlook on aging and how he feels more valued and connected to his community.

“As we continue to age and live in this world, it’s never going to just be our generation on this Earth. It is all of the generations and to feel more comfortable in society you need to figure out how to interact with each generation… There’s satisfaction when you help somebody, when you’re a part of something greater. You’re making that small difference. Just asking somebody how their day is going, especially since you know that they haven’t been able to talk to somebody for weeks. Just asking how their day was, they enjoy that. You can bring community together through simple things like having conversations. These engagements really matter.”

Currently, in his role as Communications Specialist, Michael plays an instrumental role in elevating the different services and programs available at St. Paul’s Senior Services.

“We really want to immerse ourselves further into the healthcare industry and look at different ways on how to continue to be disruptors… figuring out how we can contribute to lowering the cost of healthcare. Being part of this journey that we’re embarking on as an organization…has inspired me to enroll in a master’s in healthcare and administration program. I want to work with government and policy to make healthcare more affordable for our elders… granting access to the best evidence-based practice out there regardless of socioeconomic status.”

Michael’s journey with intergenerational programs at St. Paul’s Senior’s Services highlights an overarching theme of long-lasting connection, community, and fulfillment. His story sheds light on the positive impacts shared sites had and continues to have on his life. It also reveals how older adults can benefit by serving as role models and mentors for youth, instilling a new sense of purpose of fulfillment.

Intergenerational shared sites offer a positive experience for both children and older adults, promoting a greater understanding and respect between generations. By creating shared spaces where different generations can interact and learn from each other, we are breaking down stereotypes and promoting greater understanding and respect. Together, we can create a society that values the contributions of all ages and encourages intergenerational connections.

Generations United thanks Michael, for his willingness to share his story with intergenerational programs and the powerful impact these programs have on children and youth.

Do you have a story of intergenerational impact or relationships to share? Reach out to Fabian Venegas-Ramos at fvenegas-ramos@gu.org and let your experiences be heard. We can’t wait to hear from you!