Enhancing Intergenerational Connections: A Volunteer Booklet for Engaging with Older Adults

Presenter: Emily Jurkowski

Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Correa

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Education & Educational Research

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Auditorium, A18

ABSTRACT

The Elaine Center at Hadley is a skilled nursing facility dedicated to enhancing lives through compassionate healthcare. Its mission aligns with the objectives of my critical civic engagement project, which focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults. According to a report by the Corporation for National and Community Service (2018), youth participation in community service has decreased by 20% in the last decade, reducing intergenerational connections. This lack of engagement from younger generations reinforces negative stereotypes about aging and diminishes opportunities for youth to develop empathy and a sense of community responsibility. My project addresses ageism, isolation, and social inequities impacting older adults by fostering social engagement, enhancing human dignity, and educating student volunteers on compassionate elder care and meaningful interaction. Working in collaboration with the Elaine Center, an institution serving older adults, I have partnered with their activities coordinator to strengthen and sustain the volunteer program. To create a lasting impact, I am developing a visually engaging and easily navigable booklet. This resource condenses key aspects of the volunteer handbook, focusing on activities, best practices for engaging with residents, and strategies for creating meaningful interactions. It helps volunteers easily identify suitable activities while providing guidance on effective engagement. Additionally, I am implementing feedback surveys to assess and refine the volunteer onboarding process, ensuring ongoing improvements in the activities offered to residents. My project connects the denial of basic human dignity to broader systemic issues like ageism, healthcare inequalities, and intergenerational disconnection.

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