Bridging the Generation Gap
To assist with bridging the generation gap, a pen pal program has been established between high school juniors and the area's nursing home residents to learn about one another by developing friendships through visits and written correspondence throughout the school year. Since the initiation of the program, students have grown in their knowledge of the geriatric population and recognize the information that this population has to share with the younger generation. The residents also enjoy participating in various activities students have planned and enjoy interacting with them through conversation, laughter, or simply sitting next to them. Since incorporating this activity as part of my curriculum, I have seen such growth in the juniors and how they view the geriatric population. Initially, many of the students are scared to go to the nursing home; however, when they leave, they are asking when they are coming back and talk about what a great experience it was when reflecting in class. I truly see great friendships develop which continue into visits on their own after school. The students are able to take this experience and apply the knowledge learned, while pursuing a health-related career after graduation.