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The Independence Manor Care Center is Buzzing with fifth-graders
from Santa Fe Trail Elementary School, in Independence, as they
mingle, talk and laugh with the residents in the Care Center's
dining room.
The Independence Manor Care Center and the Santa Fe Trail Elementary
School are just two of the participants in the "Building
Bridges" program created by Dr.Nina Chen from the University
of Missouri's Outreach and Extension Center.
"Building Bridges" is a community-based program to
bring young and old together to have meaningful experiences and
interactions. Education, friendship and caring are main components
of the program.
"I think it is very important for
us to help the younger generation learn about aging issues, and
learn to establish a sense of caring and respect for the elderly"
Chen said.
Chen also explains that research shows, if children don't have
enough opportunity to interact with their grandparents or older
people, they are likely to have negative feelings about the elderly.
So, Chen works with schools and other youth organizations, senior
citizen centers, nursing homes and other agencies to help raise
public awareness of the value of inter-generational relationships.
For Older Adults the "Building Bridges"
program provides higher self esteem, new friends and social contacts,
restored confidence, shared skills and talents and a chance to
exchange affection.
Youth gain a broader view of life and of
aging, a sense of caring, sharing and respect for older adults,
acceptance of differences, meaningful relationships with someone
special and interaction with positive role models.
Sherry Eaton, School counselor at Santa Fe Trail Elementary School
in Independence, Missouri is thrilled with the results of the
program.
"Just to see the excitement in the
kids is so cool," she said. "I think this is going to
make an impact in their lives socially, too. I think the elderly
population is so undervalued in our society. We need to start
with the kids to show them the value of these wise people and
get them so that when they're adults and in the work force, they
will always respect and fight for rights for all people.
Brenda Peak, fifth-grade teacher at Santa Fe Trails Elementary
said, "There's a lot of things that our kids can learn that
these people have lived. And it's so much better to learn it from
a live person than from a book. The kids have really grown out
of this experience. I hope we can continue it."
Fifth-graders Jacob Wilbanks, Laura O Dell and Cory Nichelson
hope the program continues as well. They were amazed at what they
found out about their buddy's hobbies, favorite foods and family
life. Wilbanks said he learned that "old people are nice."
To find out more about "Building Bridges" numerous
inter-generational programs call Dr.Nina Chen at 816-252-5051
or e-mail at chenn@missouri.edu.
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