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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Mondi Mason, PhD, MPH¹, Betsy E. Havens, MPH², Elvira Mebane³, Chrisean Fuller³, Ronni Bowen, PhD², Michael Yonas, DrPH², and Emily Rodman, MPH². (1) Association for Study and Development of Community, 2860 Adams Street, Denver, CO 80205, (303)587-5270, mmason@capablecommunity.com, (2) Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Rosenau Hall Campus Box 7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, (3) United Voices of Efland-Cheeks, PO Box 478, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Intergenerational programs are a popular way to promote well-being among older adults and youth. Traditionally, these programs use reminiscence or life history processes as a means of interaction between these two groups. Though found to be beneficial for both adults and youth, little research has been done to determine how youth and older adults can work together in partnership to determine and utilize their unique strengths, or assets, and then work toward a common cause. Guided by a community-based participatory research approach, this study combined the talents and skills of rural, community-dwelling African American older adults and youths to conduct a community documentary project. Using interviews and Photovoice methods, youth and older adults determined all facets (e.g., content, method, final exhibition) of a community documentary. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the process of developing and conducting the Intergenerational Assets program and report the project findings related to how conducting the documentary project influenced a sense of community, self-esteem, and well-being among older adults and youth. Preliminary results show that youth had a new found sense of community history, volunteerism and appreciation for their elders while older adults indicated having a closer community connection and increased feelings of responsibility for youth in the community.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the process of developing a intergenerational program from a community-based participatory perspective
• Identify assets that older adults and youth bring to programs that lead to an increased sense of community
• Discuss the implications for older adults and youth partnerships

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Community Assets

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No