Intergenerational Connections: An online community engagement project

Abstract

Young adults hold many stereotypes about aging and older adults that formal education cannot always address. Interaction and community engagement projects with older adults can challenge and dispel stereotypes young adults hold about older adults. This semester-long project is designed for undergraduate students in interpersonal and relational communication classes to engage in intergenerational dialogue to ease social isolation, interact across generations, and dispel ageist stereotypes through community engagement. Courses Communication across the Life Course, Family Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Intergenerational Communication, Relational Communication. Objectives The purpose of this semester-long project is for participants: (1) to engage in meaningful conversation and dialogue with older adults; (2) to build relationships with community partners; (3) to learn skills in interacting across generations; and (4) to reflect on their attitudes and attitude change toward older adults.