Continuance

Continuance is a quarterly newsletter funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is a collaborative project of the 17 intergenerational coalitions and networks in Illinois.

Contents

• Intergenerational Teams report group results
• "All Ages Must Work Together"
• Generations Connect 1994--A Listing of Sites
• Remarks from Superintendent John Conyers, Palatine
• Who was involved with Generations Connect?
• Generations Connect features "Heavenly Debate"
• The Highlights of Generations Connect Meetings from the Conveners
• Vulnerability of Older Adults and Youth is Shared
• Cairo Generations Connect
• Preliminary Data from Generations Connect Surveys
• Senior Scholars and Student Services Join in Urbana Forum
• Getting Acquainted Over Lunch in Chicago
• An Issues Approach to Generations Connect in Lake County
• Organizations Serving Old and Young--Greenville and Effingham
• Advice to those planning Generations Connect meetings:
• Ideas for furthering intergenerational efforts and communication
• I Choose to Die of Old Age--New Video
• Generations Connect Final Report
• What is the White House Conference on Aging?

Intergenerational Teams report group results

Young and old are joining their young and old are joining their voices in a display of community spirit and involvement. Community forums around the State, called Generations Connect, focus on young and old sitting around a table plotting how they could make a difference in their communities by working together. Some of the ideas reported by the intergenerational teams include: planning a community day, fighting crime by awareness, supporting each other, delivering Meals on Wheels, helping at Head Start, speeches to elderly and school groups about the benefits of intergenerational activities, working on a fund raiser for a community event, planting flowers or small trees, developing a newsletter exchange, starting an intergenerational think tank to solve community problems, and storytelling."

Generations Connect meetings rated a visit from Robert Blancato, Executive Director of the White House Conference on Aging. The meetings at Rantoul and Urbana on October 21 brought Blancato and Elaine Dalpiaz, Associate Director, to carry the message that "all citizens must be involved to make the White House Conference on Aging a success." Blancato believes that "all ages must work together to improve the quality of life for everyone." In Rantoul, Maralee Lindley, Illinois Aging Chief, and Brenda Eheart, founder of Hope for the Children, gave a tour of the Former Chanute Air Force Base intergenerational facility. "Hope for the Children is a creative use of a military base that could be a model for intergenerational relations for the whole country," says Blancato. More on White House Conference on Aging, see page 8.

What is Generations Connect? Picture old and young sitting around a table having a cup of coffee or a cold drink together. Picture them discussing their world and how they could make it better--this is Generations Connect. Thirty meetings have been (or will be) held throughout the State to bring generations together in dialogue. The settings are schools, senior centers, colleges, universities, libraries, and community organizations. Generations Connect also gives communities an opportunity to emphasize the many wonderful intergenerational activities involving older adults as tutors, mentors, listeners etc., and young people as chore providers, friendly visitors, and more.

Generations Connect 1994 were held at the following locations: 1.) Greenville, Bond County Senior Center, Anna Oestreich. 2.) September 20: Cairo, Cairo Senior Center, Patricia Staten. 3.) September 23: Rockford, YMCA, Connie Heins. 4.) September 27: Park Ridge, The Center of Concern, Mary Schurder. 5.) September 29: Palatine, Marion Jordon Elem. School, Kay Woelfel. 6.) September 29: Smithton, Smithton Com. Schools, Shari Marshall. 7.) September 30: Lake Forest, Barat College, Cathy DeMetrio. 8.) October 5: Chicago, Uptown Hull House, Diane Alstadt. 9.) October 5: Rock Island: Alleman High School, Jean Smith. 10.) October 7: Eureka, Maple Lawn Health Center, Karlia Sloter. 11.) October 8: Elgin, Oak Crest, Kim Frank. 12.) October 12: Effingham, RSVP, Lois LeCrone. 13.) October 17: Pekin, Pekin Public Library, Joan Wood. 14.) October 17: Springfield, St. John's Hospital, Third Age, Sally Petrone and Naomi Fowler. 15.) October 18: Springfield, Sec. of State's Dept. of Human Res., Mary G. Cowles. 16.) October 19: Adams County RSVP, John Wood College, Carla Gosney. 17.) October 20: Arlington Hts., Dist. 214 Com. Ed., Maureen Statland. 18.) October 21: Rantoul, Hope for the Children, Mary Jo McCann. 19.) October 21: Champaign, University of Illinois, Julie Jackson and Cheryl Barbar. 20.) October 24: Granyslake, College of lake County, Barbara Haley. 21.) October 24: Chicago, Foster Grandparents, Chicago Dept. on Aging, Ken Bernat. 22.) October 26: Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University, Anthony Traxler and Robert Hawkins. 23.) October 28: Atkinson, InTouch, Sue Spurgetis. 24.) November 14: Freeport, Highland Comm. College, Mike Shore. 25.) November17: East St. Louis, East St. Louis Center, Richard Bonner. 26.) November 22: Chicago, Mary McDowell, Josephine Robinson. 27.) November 29: Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College, Lila Christensen. 28.) December 14: Chicago, RSVP Hull House & Public Allies, Keith Chase-Ziolek & Michelle Obama. 29.) February 14: Carbondale, Emeritus Association, Bob Harper. If you are interested in convening a Generations Connect meeting in Fall of 1995, see page 8.

Thank you for joining us for Generations Connect, a part of the Illinois Intergeneank you for joining us for Generations Connect, a part of the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative and the White House Conference on Aging. Promoting a dialogue between generations is a topic that I have been very interested in for a number of years. I began to be aware that many of our students were missing something, something very important--the experience and the ability to communicate with an older person. There is a level of richness that our boys and girls miss when they don't have experiences with older people. I started asking the boys and girls, "How many have grandparents who live nearby? How many have grandparents who live a great distance?" We decided to talk to senior citizens and visited all the senior citizen area within the seven municipalities that the school district serves. We asked questions such as, "What could we do for you?" And they had many of suggestions. They said, "We need young people to come and share with us. We need a place to go visit and share activities." In response to their suggestions we started some computer programs with the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders teaching computer skills to older persons within our community. Everybody said, "That isn't going to work. The kids won't want t do that." On the first day of computer class the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders discovered that their students brought homemade baked goods. What a success! Now everybody wanted to be a teacher in the computer skills program. The seniors were delighted with the experience. Since that beginning we welcome senior citizens into our schools and have many different programs such as the Arts Fest, Generations Exchange, and more.

Who was involved with Generations Connect?

Community residents of all ages, educators, older adults, service providers, park district personnel, librarians, literacy volunteers and administrators, retired federal employees, cooperative extension service, retired teachers, AARP, student groups, parents, trustees, children's and aging organizations, caregivers, long term care personnel, child care and community agencies. (In a word--EVERYONE)

Generations Connect features "Heavenly Debate"

Heavenly Debate is a video produced by the Secretary of State's Office that outlines perceptions of young and old about each other's driving. Old drive too slow. Young drive too fast. Young people, older adults, and community leaders met in Springfield to discuss driving, Zero Tolerance, and how to nurture connections between generations. One suggestion that received unanimous approval was to prepare intergenerational TEAMS to speak about driving, in schools and to senior citizens. Mary Grismore Cowles, coordinator of the event, applauded the group for their recommendations. "The students and seniors seemed to mesh. We gave them an opportunity to discuss a controversial subject and they listened to each other, enjoyed the discussion, and came to consensus. The older folks were impressed that the younger people wanted stricter rules, and the young people were amazed at the open-mindedness of the seniors. This was a wonderful opportunity to share information between generations, we will do it again." Sue Spurgetis, InTouch Day Center for Older Adults. East St. Louis--"Watching an action plan develop right before our eyes," Richard Bonner, SIUE ,East St. Louis Center. Edwardsville--"Developing a mutual understanding of similarities," Anthony Traxler, SIUE. Elgin--"Discovering the seniors really weren't that different," Kim Frank, Oakcrest Residence. Euraka--"Having fun together," Karlita Sloter, Maple Lawn Home. Freeport--"Discovering what everyone is doing," Mike Shore, RSVP, Highland C. College. Park Ridge--"The discussion of the survey," Mary Schurder, The Center of Concern. Quincy--"The enthusiasm of the group to expand and continue," Carla Gosney, Adams County RSVP, John Wood College. Rockford--"The chance to share and develop an understanding for other organizations. This helps us to find out what is going on and begin to collaborate," Connie Heins, Wesley Willows. Rock Island--"We had such great dialogue and found wonderful rapport between old and young," Jean Smith, Alleman High School. Springfield--"Discovering a wealth of stories and storytelling," Sally Petrone, Third Age, St. John's Hospital. Smithton--"Observing the young people and older folks envision the future--what could be--while establishing a link to the past," Shari Marshall, Smithton Schools #130.

Vulnerability of Older Adults and Youth is Shared

A desire for companionship, the fear of isolation, and connection of children because of the hope they impart, were some of the themes emerging in the Generations Connect meeting in Chicago. Diana Alstadt, commented: "I was touched by the honesty of the kids. It made me aware of the limits on children's expression; how often they censor the truth for fear of reprisal, either verbal or physical. Their need for companionship is the same as that of older people; they want to be close to others and learn from them. Many of their requests were ordinary, wanting to go for a walk everyday with an adult or wanting someone to play with them. They ask for respect, not being screamed at, not being hit or constantly told what to do, which made me realize once again, their vulnerability." Little children from the day care center with their college student supervisors joined middle age and older adults in Lake Forest's Generations Connect. The little ones sang "The wheels on the bus go round and round," and enticed the audience of 68 to join them. It was a loud and enthusiastic intergenerational choir. Cathy DeMetrio, organizer of the event said the highlight of the meeting was "the enthusiasm that the participants shared."

Cairo Generations Connect

The Cairo Generations Connect featured children singing and poetry reading for the enjoyment of Emerson Elementary School students and Adult DayCare Participants. Both groups enjoyed being together and discussing the needs and resources of both young and old. Young people and older people need to feel wanted and loved. They both need something to keep them involved. Patricia Staten, coordinator of the event, commented, "The intergenerational activities that could be the most helpful are bringing older volunteers to the schools helping students with art, telling stories, and so forth. Children could provide older adults with love and attention. The children need something to do after school and on weekends." For the seniors, "We do not have a local hospital and the people must travel at least 30 miles to receive services. Many of the frail elders can't deal with the long day involved when they use local transportation, but it is the only way they can get medical care." Involvement 40%, Love 35%, and Companionship 17%. The needs of young people--Social: Love 34%, Opportunities for Involvement 15%, Source of Support and Guidance 14%, Physical: Secure Environment 21%, Education 19%. The final report will include an analysis of needs and potential contributions of older adults and youth, their view of healthy aging, and suggestions on community activities they can do together. For more information on the report, see page 8.

Senior Scholars and Student Services Join in Urbana Forum

The historic Illini historic Illini Union was the setting for Generations Connect in Urbana. Julie Jackson, Student Services, and Cheryl Barber, Senior Scholars of Continuing Education, shared responsibility for the event. Students from Centennial, Central, and U of I High Schools, and University of Illinois shared time with retired faculty and representatives of organizations to determine the needs and resources in the community. Intergenerational teams reported the information from their groups. The theme that carried the meeting was the similarity in youth and older needs. Needs for young people, according to young people, were love and acceptance, education, and a secure environment. Needs for young people according to older folds are education, love and acceptance, and family support. Older adults' needs according to youth were involvement, feeling needed, and, according to older, health, a secure environment, and involvement. The ideas for cooperative projects were abundant including volunteering together, forming support groups to stay optimistic, participate in educational activities, Habitat for Humanity, mentoring and more. Robert Blancato, national chief of the White House Conference on Aging visited the group to hear the recommendations. Acquainted Over Lunch in Chicago

Nothing brings connections between generations like humor, one-on-one conversation and sharing a meal. Ken Bernat, Chicago Department on Aging, brought these three ingredients to the Generations Connect meeting held at the Levy Center in Chicago. The lively conversation reflected the enthusiasm between members of the Key Club at Lincoln Park Academy and older adults representing Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and the Levy Center. After interviewing one another and discussing needs, the group played a game, drawing pictures of specific things suggested. In the beginning it was easy, a circle, a tree, an airplane, and then the fun began. They were asked to draw, the SS Enterprise, Super Mario, roller blades, Little Orphan Annie, The Shadow and a snood. Ken Bernat commented, "Everyone had such a good time, they want to do this again. Each senior remarked that they had a better opinion of young people, and each youngster said that they had a better view of older adults."

Lake County Generations Connect took a unique approach. The discussions between young and old were framed by three topics, family violence, changing work place/financial security, and substance abuse. Their recommendations included the following: On Family Violence: Expand the National Community Service Act for foster initiatives for demonstration projects which nurture and support family cohesiveness and a safe community. On the Changing Work Place and Financial Security: Provide funding for retirement planning courses at the community level via local government, libraries, and civic organizations, and to provide funding and mandates for retirement and financial planning courses at the high school level." On Financial Security: to provide some type of incentive to businesses, state and local governments in order to encourage programs which promote job security and the individual's ability to maintain viable employment through internship and member programs and offering data and information which fosters increased networking and linking of employment resources. Substance Abuse: To assure consistency in addressing the problem of substance abuse, everyone needs education, especially policy makers and enforcement officials. The Lake County Generations Connect also developed an Intergenerational Program Directory. The purpose of the Directory is too encourage ongoing intergenerational programs and the development of new programs.

Several communities used the Generations Connect meeting to bring organizations serving young with those serving old. This format gives an opportunity for strategic planning as well as developing an intergenerational coalition.

Ideas Unto Action by Bryan Cullison, Student Intern, Greenville College

Greenville--The first Generations Connect forum of the 1994 was held in Greenville at the Bond County Senior Citizens Center. The goals of this meeting were to help establish some solid ideas for intergenerational programming and to make the various community leaders aware of the needs and networking possibilities. Participants examined the specific needs of the youth in the community and then the specific needs of the older adults. Substantial lists were generated, reassessed and merged to see which direction that intergenerational programming should take in Greenville. Next, contributions or resources were considered. Again, some good ideas were suggested and this groundwork helped determine what programs or services might be feasible. Top ideas generated among the group for activities were: increased in-school assistance by older adults, sensitivity training for youth as to the difficulties of aging, and a two-way latch-key/gatekeeper type accountability connection.

Effingham--The Moultrie County Senior Center and the Moultrie County Retired Senior Volunteer Program co-hosted a county-wide meeting that gave 20+ organizations an opportunity to discuss needs of old and young and how they can work more closely together. Lois LeCrone said "The meeting had everything a coalition should have, entertainment, recognition of organizations and individual volunteers, refreshments, and an opportunity to contribute a item to the food bank."

Advice to those planning Generations Connect meetings:

"Keep it simple," Sue Spurgetis. "Allow time and for all to express their opinions," Maureen Statland. "Plan a flexible schedule to promote interaction," Kim Frank. "Have fun--enjoy it," Mike Shore. "Do it! It is a very positive experience," Jean Smith. "Keep an open mind and listen to all ideas," Shari Marshall. "Don't make assumptions about the limitations of any age," Anthony Traxler.

Ideas for furthering intergenerational efforts and communication

From the Pekin Intergenerational Network--(1) Form a telephone tree as a communication network. (2) Compile a mailing list of those who want to keep abreast of intergenerational events. (3) Plan more education for youth about aging and for elders about today's youth. (4) Put together educational presentations for the community. (5) Work on planning more joiom the Pekin Intergenerational Network--(1) Form a telephone tree as a communication network. (2) Compile a mailing list of those who want to keep abreast of intergenerational events. (3) Plan more education for youth about aging and for elders about today's youth. (4) Put together educational presentations for the community. (5) Work on planning more jointly-sponsored activities to avoid duplication of efforts. Contact Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, Mailcode 4341, Carbondale, IL 62901.

Generations Connect Final Report

More than 750 young people, older adults and representatives of organizations will have participated in the Generations Connect meetings in 30 sites throughout Illinois by year's end. The final report will analyze the needs of young and old, their resources, view of a health aging, and perspective on the potential for intergenerational activities. Once data have been analyzed, the results will be sent to the 30 Generations Connect conveners and the 80 sponsoring organizations with a request from them for three recommendations on how the Illinois Intergenerational Network can foster the intergenerational potential in our communities. Those recommendations will be compiled into four or five recommendations that will be presented to the Illinois Department on Aging, to the Illinois delegates, and ultimately to Washington.

In the last half of this century there have been three White House Conferences on Aging and each one has served as a catalyst for important new initiatives that address the needs of America's elderly. Maralee Lindley, Director, Illinois Dept. on Aging is a member of the policy committee. Among the goals of the WHCoA are the following: *increase public awareness of the interdependence of the generations and the essential contributions of older people, *examine common problems facing the generations, *develop executive and legislative action to improve the well-being of the aging. The 1995 Conference will include 2000 delegates selected by governors, members of congress, and constituents organizations including national aging and veterans organizations. Ultimately the goals of the 1995 WHCoA is to make recommendations for a national aging policy that will take the country into the 21st century. To give Americans everywhere an opportunity to become involved in shaping this policy, the Whoa has encouraged local events, state events, regional events, and mini-conferences.