Priyadarshini Samanta, BDS¹, Julie Pham, BS², Christy Inskip, BA², Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH³, and Heather Diaz, MPH². (1) Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-558-4575, priyadarshini_s@yahoo.com, (2) Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350

One of the most pertinent issues facing the growing senior population is social loneliness, which often results in depression, thus affecting their mental and physical health. Studies show the beneficial effects of intergenerational programs in improving the social health of the elderly. To increase awareness and knowledge about senior health issues, Loma Linda Public Health students took the principles of an intergenerational program approach and incorporated them into the development of a health education program, which was delivered at an inner city independent senior living complex. Based on needs assessment results, the pilot program focused on providing health information on heart disease, nutrition and physical activity. Most importantly, the program was delivered by young health educators and included participation in interactive social activities with the seniors. Program evaluation results revealed the desire of the seniors to interact with young people, their appreciation for the care, respect and attention from young individuals, and the motivation to initiate a behavioral change due to the “energy” and “youthfulness” of the program staff. These interactions also increased knowledge of the discussed health topics; increased the number of seniors participating in the health education program (the program group grew from 12 to 51 over the course of the 3 months program); increased their self-efficacy and motivated them to maintain and improve their health; and increased anticipation for the continuation of such intergenerational interactive programs. This study illustrated that involving young, energetic health educators increases the effectiveness of health promotion and education programs in senior population.

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