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Bridging the Gap : Building Generational Connections
02/14/2025
Bridging the Gap : Building Generational Connections
In this episode, Bridging the Gap : Building Generational Connections we explore intergenerational programs that promote understanding and mutual respect among generations, contribute to age friendly communities and have proven to work in addressing ageism. In fact, intergenerational programs are valued and celebrated across Canada and internationally with events held on Intergenerational Day in Canada each year on June 1 and during Global Intergenerational Week which is recognized this year from April 24 - 30, 2025. Join us to listen to our senior expert on intergenerational learning, Sharon Mackenzie, an educator by profession and an advocate of intergenerational connections who shares her many experiences, including the creation of the Meadow School Project, as well as her research and knowledge and informs us why intergenerational connections benefit both youth and seniors. In this episode you will learn : How Sharon grew up with and fostered older adult mentors throughout her life and as a teacher. The initiation of the Meadow School Project, where she moved her classroom into a senior care home for 2 months The benefits of Intergenerational (IG) programs, including combatting isolation and improving senior’s health. New opportunities for IG programs in educational settings to learn about computers, language, share history and traditions. The importance of IG work in creating Age-friendly Communities. Key messages of inspiration, such as “Make community a verb not a noun”, “Aging is the one thing we all have in common” and “doing for doesn't always work, so doing with is better”. Intergenerational Day, how it was formed and it celebrated June 1 Global Intergenerational Week (April 24 - 30) activities across the world. ______________________________ Let us know if you enjoyed the podcast!! **Don't Forget to Rate our Show** ______________________________ Episode Resources: Websites: i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada Generations Working Together IG Day June 1st Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO) EAPO: Intergenerational Resources Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCH) Report and Documents Battling social isolation with the power of intergenerational storytelling. Hospital News, March 14, 2020 IG storytelling: BC Brain Wellness - Education WHO Report WHO: Age-Friendly World report WHO: National Programmes for Age-Friendly Cities Guide University New Brunswick: IG Action Plan ______________________________ About Sharon Mackenzie Sharon is truly a leader in building connections between generations. She is an Intergenerational Consultant, Writer, Researcher and the Executive Director of i2i Intergenerational Society that she founded in 2008 with the purpose of bringing youth and older adults together across Canada. She was an educator for thirty plus years, from Kindergarten to University, and is dedicated to creating intergenerational learning opportunities within the community. Sharon is a senior herself and has always looked to older adults for support and friendship in her personal life and work. That led her, almost 25 years ago, to initiate The Meadows School Project, a world-renowned compendium of intergenerational immersion research. ____________________________ CREDITS: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: Sherry Baker, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee, Stay Connected : Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, share, rate and leave us a review Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our or wherever you listen to your podcast. Be sure to check our website to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.
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