ABSTRACT
Intergenerational programming has received much attention and has been heralded as beneficial for both children and older adults. However, little has been reported in the literature concerning adult reactions to and benefits of intergenerational activities. A report on the first two years of an ongoing intergenerational project involving a preschool and a retirement community is presented. Four adults who participated regularly were interviewed in depth and findings are reported. All categories from the interviews represented aspects of
[Haworth co-indexing entry note]: “Empowering Spirituality and Generativity Through Intergenerational Connections.” Eggers, Sandy J., and Beth H. Hensley. Co-published simultaneously in Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging (The Haworth Pastoral Press, an imprint of The Haworth Press, Inc.) Vol. 17, No. 1/2, 2004, pp. 87-108; and: Spiritual Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults: Current Directions and Applications (ed: Mark Brennan, and Deborah Heiser) The Haworth Pastoral Press, an imprint of The Haworth Press, Inc., 2004, pp. 87-108. Single or multiple copies of this article are available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service [1-800-HAWORTH, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EST). E-mail address: docdelivery@ haworthpress. com].
88Erikson’s Generativity stage, and indicated that spirituality was enhanced through intergenerational contacts. Opportunities to interact with young children engendered a sense of relatedness to others and hope for the future for the older adult interviewees. Implications of this program that strengthened links to younger generations, and fostered positive affect, well-being, and spirituality in the aging process are discussed. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: https://www.HaworthPress.com>; © 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
