Technology and Traditional Tools for Intergenerational Connections in Higher Education

Chair(s)

• 

  Janelle Fassi, MS (she/her/hers)

  Doctoral Student
  Gerontology
  University of Massachusetts Boston
  Goffstown, New Hampshire, United States

  Slides

Co-Chair(s)

• ER

  Elizabeth Rickenbach, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Professor, Psychology
  Psychology
  Saint Anselm College
  Manchester, New Hampshire, United States

Discussant(s)

• 

  Tina Newsham, PhD, F-AGHE (she/her/hers)

  Professor and Gerontology Program Coordinator
  School of Health and Applied Human Sciences
  University of North Carolina Wilmington
  Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

• ER

  Elizabeth Rickenbach, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Professor, Psychology
  Psychology
  Saint Anselm College
  Manchester, New Hampshire, United States
• JJ

  Jill Juris, PhD (she/her/hers)

  Associate Professor
  Recreation Management and Physical Education
  Appalachian State University
  Boone, North Carolina, United States
• 

  Jeremy Holloway, PhD

  Professor
  Geriatrics
  New Mexico Highlands University
  Fargo, North Dakota, United States

  Slides Handouts

While the benefits of connecting older adults with college-aged students are well-documented in literature, the practical application of connecting these individuals together in intergenerational learning spaces is more challenging. This session focuses on the challenges and strategies for successfully implementing and sustaining intergenerational connections in higher education using technology or traditional tools like board games. Each presentation outlines an innovative way for connecting college-aged students with older adults both inside and outside the classroom. The first presentation focuses on the factors that impact the implementation and sustainability of the Cyber-Seniors program through an implementation science framework. The second presentation describes the use of a waitlist control design for examining and identifying the strengths of the Cyber-Seniors Program. The third presentation identifies the feasibility and reflections from an in-person intergenerational game collaboration with Saint Anselm College undergraduate students and community partners. The fourth presentation examines the benefits and challenges of Tellegacy, an intergenerational story-telling project facilitated by university students via in-person, phone or virtual one-on-one visits with older adults in retirement communities. Aligning with the Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 theme, these presentations demonstrate fortitude in refining processes to ensure we are building optimal experiences to connect students and older adults.

Presentations:

• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST

  Games Are for Everyone: A Pilot Project to Facilitate Intergenerational Engagement Through Games
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Elizabeth Rickenbach, PhD (she/her/hers) – Saint Anselm College
• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST

  Applying the Dynamic Sustainability Framework to an Intergenerational Technology Program in Higher Education
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jill Juris, PhD (she/her/hers) – Appalachian State University
• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST

  Outcomes for an Intergenerational Technology Program: A Pre–Post With Waitlist Control Study
• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST

  Intergenerational Health Promotion Project to Reduce Older Adult Social Isolation and Loneliness: A Feasibility Study
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jeremy C. Holloway, PhD – New Mexico Highlands University