“Age Friendly” West Chester Universities Intergenerational-Mentoring
Summary
West Chester’s intergenerational learning and mentoring program brings together West Chester University undergraduate students, senior students, and older community residents from diverse backgrounds in a mutual learning and mentoring relationship. The goals of intergenerational mentoring include combating ageism and stereotyping, sharing knowledge, experience, skills, and wisdom across generations and across cultural groups. The learning and mentoring relationship involves at least one bi-weekly meeting (on-line meetings are possible) over a five month period. Discussion topics include discussions relating to stressful life events, ways of coping with stress, sources of support, hobbies and free time activities, and managing technology. The learning and mentoring relationship provides a unique way of bringing two individuals from different generations in a supportive, informative, and purposeful way. Intergenerational mentoring provides attention, guidance and support, contributes to a greater sense of community, fosters engagement in cooperative problem solving, promotes an understanding of shared values and respect for individuals in all life stages, and fosters an appreciation for rich cultural heritages, traditions, and histories.
Website: http://www.wcupa.edu/_academics/sch_cas.psy/agefriendlywestchester/
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Other target group(s): Members of all ages in the community
Sector(s): Social protection
Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships
- Ageism
- Inequities
- Intergenerational activities
Contact details
Name: Tahmaseb McConatha, Jasmin
Email address: jtahmasebmcconatha@wcupa.edu
Preferred language(s): English