CONNECTING GENERATIONS AND PRESERVING LIVED EXPERIENCES: AN ILLINOIS AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE

Abstract

Abstract The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was recently designated an age-friendly university (AFU).Our AFU program coordinated by CHART (Collaborations in Health, Aging, Research, and Technology) collaborates with our campus University of Illinois Extension office. We are partnering with a student organization called Sage to engage undergraduate students in AFU principles (i.e., promote intergenerational learning and increase the understanding of students of longevity divide). Sage is a social venture run by the Illinois chapter of the global nonprofit organization called Enactus, a social entrepreneurship organization. Sage was established in the spring of 2019 by students who noticed discomfort and lack of understanding among their fellow students of the older generations. By fostering communication, Sage aims to combat ageist social processes, reduce social isolation, and increase mutual understanding and access to the often undervalued wisdom of older adults. Sage helps facilitate life review and develops intergenerational relationships by pairing older adults with college students who listen to and capture their stories through writing to boost the morale and self-confidence of participants. The stories and wisdom they share are then preserved through the production of a cherished legacy booklet or digital media. CHART and campus Extension services support the Sage efforts by assisting with materials development and recruiting older adults from the community to participate. We will share our lessons learned to encourage the development of similar programs at other universities.