Ideas for Intergenerational Living Newsletter

Vol. 11, No. 2, Spring 2011

extension.psu.edu

On the Inside:
Age Wave: Intergenerational Workshop at

From the Editor

In this issue of Ideas for Intergenerational Living, we highlight local initiatives (such as an intergenerational workshop at the 4-H leadership conference in Pennsylvania), national initiatives (such as Generations Uniteds Public Policy Agenda for the 112th Congress), and international initiatives (such as Beth Johnson Foundations announcement of a new resource guide and toolkit to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Centre for Intergenerational Practice, UK). Also included is the fourth installment of our Relative Caregivers Rock! column, written by Brenda Rich at the Kinship Institute. Send us your intergenerational news, and well make sure to post it in future issues.

Penn States 4-H Leadership Conference (page 2)

Relative Caregivers Rock! (page 3)

By Brenda Rich, The Kinship Institute at Turning Points for Children

The Journal of Intergenerational

Relationships (page 3-4)

Reports, Resources, and Announcements

(pages 4-7) Online Guide and Toolkit (Centre for Intergenerational Practice, UK) Starting The Talk with Mom and Dad Policy Priorities from Generation United The Age for ChangeNew Resource from Temple University Civic Engagement in an Older America Grandparents on a Mission Websites with Activity Ideas for Grandparents and Grandchildren Future Care Planning GuideA Roadmap for Family Caregivers Multigenerational Households are Increasing Campaign to Assist Victims of the Earthquakes, Tsunami, and Nuclear Explosion in Japan

Best Regards, Matt Kaplan, Professor Intergenerational Programs and Aging Penn State University Department of Agricultural and Extension Education 814-863-7871 msk15@psu.edu

Age Wave: An Intergenerational Workshop at Penn States 4-H Leadership Conference

By Ee Ching (Candice) Ng, graduate student in the New Media program at Penn States School of Visual Arts

interest to areas we were unable to do before due to sacrifices we had to make to raise a family.

when we use it for our studies. It was an honest confession, an insight into the complexities of navigating ones social life in an online, highly connected world. The older adults did not shy away from sharing their struggles too. One of them divulged how loosing physical tenacity was perhaps one of the hardest challenges that she was working to resolve. After listening in on dozens of intriguing conversations, I felt quite optimistic about the state of intergenerational relations in this country. As in my home country (Malaysia), I felt there was a strong sense of mutual respect between the generations. It was moving for me to hear a 14-year old say, I dont look down on older people, I look up to them. Even though this conference experience took place for just one day in the lives of the 4-H youth and older adult volunteers, the encounter seems to have encouraged participants future interests and pursuits for having more intergenerational conversations, both in their families and in their communities.
Photos by Ee Ching (Candice) Ng; Intergenerational discussion groups at the 4-H Leadership Conference (January 22, 2011).

On January 22, 2011, 98 4-H members and 11 older adult volunteers took part in a series of hour-long workshops entitled, Age Wave: Relating to and Working Effectively with Older Adults. Offered for the second year in a row as part of the annual 4-H Leadership Conference at University Park, the workshops stimulated vibrant discussion about how different generations view and experience the world. The small group discussions covered a lot of ground. One theme that came up frequently was the need to challenge agerelated stereotypes. In an effort to change one students perspective about how people in the older generation seem to lose interest in life when they age, an 85-year old commented, You'd be surprised to discover that most of the friends I have now at this age are some of the most active people I know in life, vesting

Some of the seniors were surprised to find out that many of the 4-H youth had wellinformed opinions about issues of societal importance. One was quite impressed by a comment made by a 4-H youth about how businesses and highways being put up everywhere take away from [the land available for] farms. The participants were comfortable in sharing personal challenges and difficulties. When asked if there were any struggles that a 13-year old girl and her friends face, the girl responded, I think Facebook ruined the lives of the young, technology seems to be controlling us now, creating an addiction. But I do see how technology can also be good
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Relative Caregivers Rock!

By Brenda Rich, The Kinship Institute at Turning Points for Children

Very, Very!!! Informative was one of the many written comments from Grandparents and other Kinship Caregivers of Children who gathered together on May 14, 2011 for the Helping Hands Intergenerational and Resource Conference for Grandparents and Other Kinship Caregivers of Children held in Philadelphia at the University of Sciences campus. Sponsored by Senator Anthony H Williams, in partnership with Turning Points for Children and Grands as Parents, participants were offered workshops in advocacy, family dynamics of kinship care, custody and the law, and accessing benefits as a kinship caregiver. Highlights of the conference included a keynote address by Elmer Smith, a columnist and editorial board member at the Philadelphia Daily News, who spoke about his appreciation for his aunt, who stepped in to raise him after his mother passed away. The conference ended with lively interaction between the audience of caregivers and a panel of experts in the fields of justice, education, child welfare, and medicine. The conference planning committee consisted of persons very invested in kinship caregivers, from the following organizations: AARP, Grands As Parents, Grand Central, Inc, Grand Family Resource

Center, Penn State University, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Salvation Army, The Senior Law Center, the Support Center for Child Advocates, Turning Points for Children, and Senator Anthony Williams office. As the planning committee reviewed the grandparent conference feedback and discussed next steps, there was consensus that opportunities for grandparents and other relative caregivers to gather together, to share and to learn are invaluable. The plan is to offer additional events to reach and support the many kinship caregivers of children who newly step into that role every day. For grandparents, in opportunities like these, there is strength gained from realizing they are not alone, from learning about what resources are available, and about what resources need their ongoing advocacy efforts. Along with sponsorship of the Helping Hands Conference, Senator Anthony H Williams has sponsored Senate Bill 119, called the Intergenerational Family Care Act, which would assist families in which children are being raised by their grandparents or other older relatives. For details about SB 119, visit: http:// www.senatoranthonyhwilliams .com/legislative/legislation/ legislation-introduced/senatebill-119.

The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships

Overview
The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships is a one of a kind resource that reflects the global impact of intergenerational strategies, programs and policies. This international journal focuses exclusively on the intergenerational field from a practical, theoretical and social policy perspective. The journal encompasses a variety of disciplines: social work, community development, health, psychology, anthropology, sociology, gerontology, child development, family studies, education, political science, social policy, communications, and more! This peer-reviewed journal is the forum where gerontologists, educators, medical professionals, psychologists, social workers and urban studies researchers can stay abreast of the latest practice methods and public policy initiatives. Each issue presents cuttingedge writing on intergenerational topics, divided into sections:
Scholarship peer-

reviewed academic papers dealing with innovative research, intergenerational programming strategies, research and evaluation, policy issues, and suggestions for advancing the intergenerational field, From the Field papers from practitioners, including program profiles, reflections from the field, new programs in the field, a topical forum, and book and media reviews, and

 Forum Response discus-

sions of diverse, global issues of intergenerational interest.

To learn more about the journal, including how to submit papers for publication consideration and how to order a subscription, go to http://jir.ucsur.pitt.edu/. To view a FREE online sample copy, visit the publishers website at www.tandf.co.uk/journals/ WJIR. To request a FREE print sample copy, e-mail customerservice@taylorandfrancis.com or call 1-800-354-1420, press 4.

Call for Papers

The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships (JIR) is calling for papers for its section Program, Reflections and New Ideas. You may submit a paper in one of three formats: 1) Program Profiles, 2) Reflections from the Field, and 3) New Programs in the Field. Submissions should be 900 to 1400 words. Send them to Dr. Leng Leng Thang (lengthang@nus.edu.sg) and Jacobus Hoffman (jacobus.hoffman@ageing.ox.ac. uk) JIR accepts papers for this section on a rolling basis.

pression, and illness. The older adults at Hope Meadows, an intentional intergenerational community in the United States, seem to be defying a degenerative model of aging. They have found ways to overcome pain, discomfort, and disability. Using an interpretive ethnographic framework, we examined the connections between meaningful intergenerational relationships, purposeful engagement in an intentional community, and aging well. To read the full paper, go to: http://www.informaworld. com/ smpp/content~db=all~content =a90338 4997~frm=abslink? words=eheart&hash=3827588843.

Since April 2001, CIP has championed the cause for, and understanding of, the implications of intergenerational potential. It is committed to ensuring that the consequences are not only understood, but also integrated into policy and practice as effectively as possible. Its achievements to date are measured locally, nationally and internationally, and include:
The creation of a compre-

Reports, Resources, and Announcements

Online Guide and Toolkit (Centre for Intergenerational Practice, UK)
From Beth Johnson Foundation: April 1, 2011

Article ABSTRACT
Aging Well in an Intentional Intergenerational Community: Meaningful Relationships and Purposeful Engagement, by Martha Bauman Power, Brenda Krause Eheart, David Racine and Niranjan S. Karnik (published in Volume 5, Issue 2, 2007, pages 7-25). The graying of the world's population is producing dramatic age trends that are creating both challenges and opportunities. Major transitions in later life too often lead to social isolation, de-

Ten years ago, the Beth Johnson Foundation (BJF) launched the Centre for Intergenerational Practice. Today it is a leader in intergenerational thinking, providing advice and practical support at all levels from UK Local Authorities to pan-European collaborations. To mark the occasion, the Centre for Intergenerational Practice (CIP) is publishing tested ideas and materials as best-practice guides and toolkits for use by Local Authorities, Voluntary and Community sectors and Central Government Departments: (http:// www.centreforip.org.uk/ resources/toolkits-and-guides)

hensive support structure that has already provided training, resources, conferences, networking, advice and guidance to over 5000 organizations Leadership of the Generations Together program, its establishment, roll-out, lessons and legacy. The direct support and development of integrated intergenerational activity for over 50 Local Authorities. The management of the Northern Ireland Linking Generations initiative and direction of the Welsh Assembly Governments intergenerational program. The establishment of a panEuropean network to monitor learning and activity (EMIL). Hosting the International Consortium for Intergenerational Programs.

From its small beginnings in 2001, CIP is now a national movement that enjoys international recognition. It employs its knowledge to dispel the negative connotations often associated with demographic change. It promotes the potential benefit that young and old can make to society by acknowledging their value as individuals, and encourages them to make a positive impact on their community. It aims to retain social cohesion based on shared ownership where otherwise it might have failed. For more information about CIP and its work, contact: Louise Middleton, Manager, Centre for Intergenerational Practice, louise@bjf.org.uk, tel: 01782 844036.

Article Discusses Starting The Talk with Mom and Dad

From the Family Caregiving Alliances National Center on Caregiving Newsletter, Caregiving Policy Digest, March 16, 2011, Vol. XI, No. 5

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal discussed the difficult conversations for adult children and their parents in making decisions around health and living situations. A daughter profiled in the article explains that her parents were hesitant to move out of their home until she designed a strategic plan that allowed everyone to discuss the pros and cons of the current situation. For example, while the parents desire to care for each other was listed as a pro, the ten trips that the daughter had to make in 2009 from Dallas to her parent's home in Memphis to assist

with health problems was listed as a con. After creating the plan and thinking about it for a few weeks, her parents agreed to move to a senior-living community in Memphis. A chairman of a business that provides inhome caregivers suggests using the 40-70 rule: if the children are age 40 or if the parents are age 70, then its time to start the discussion. Staff at the National Center on Caregiving at Family Caregiving Alliance speak with family caregivers every day, and encourage creating plans similar to the one described in this article. For example, what are the pros and cons of the current situation, what sort of events might trigger a move (e.g., a decline in health, a fall, etc.) and what are financial implications of the current situation and making changes? For more information, visit: Wall Street Journal "Having 'The Talk' With Mom and Dad" FCA Fact Sheet: Community Care Options Policy Priorities
From Generations United

Read the full agenda at: http:// www.gu.org/LinkClick.aspx? fileticket=Qt3cheuIfZI% 3d&tabid=157&mid=606.

To join our effort to move the agenda forward, sign up to receive timely legislative alerts at: http://visitor.constant contact.com/manage/optin/ea? v=001qbttOa0cV5ql0YDz6XV8r Q%3D%3D.

The Age for Change New Resource from Temple University

Coming of Age, a Philadelphiabased national initiative to promote age 50+ civic engagement, has published a nine-chapter ebook that explores challenging issues confronting people age 50+. Meant to start the conversation for those seeking answers to questions about what comes next, The Age for Change addresses topics such as compelling ways to become engaged in one's community, dealing with adult children, ending the pain of troubled relationships, creating community, age 50+ love, and more. The ebook is available for free at http://ebook.comingofage.org/.

We are pleased to release the Generations United Public Policy Agenda for the 112th Congress. The agenda, created by the Generations United public policy committee, Board of Directors and staff, provides guidance for our educational and advocacy efforts to promote intergenerational public policy and create a world that values all generations.
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Civic Engagement in an Older America

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA)s civic engagement project, funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies, has released a capstone publication that highlights and advances research on civic engagement in later life by bringing together classic articles previously published in GSA's journals with new articles that review the state-of-the-science to date for a particular area of civic engagement, identify research gaps, and provide direction for future research. The introductory chapter, The Civic Enterprise: Advancing Civic Engagement Opportunities in Later Life, is available for free. Find out how to purchase the book online or request a desk copy.

Websites with Activity Ideas for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Making Memories with Activi-

ties and Travel

Fun activities for grandpar-

ents and grandchildren: http:// hubpages.com/hub/FunActivities-For-GrandparentsAnd-Grandchildren Grandparents University June 27-29, 2011, at West Chester University: Grandparents University

generational households could be found in the United States (5.3% of all households). Two years later in 2010, the number jumped to 7.1 million (6.1% of all households). The increase in these two years represents a faster rate of growth than the previous eight years combined. Compared to whites, the population of Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians make up the majority living in multigenerational households.

Future Care Planning GuideA Roadmap for Family Caregivers

From Sonoran University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service, University of Arizona, Department of Family and Community Medicine

Campaign to Assist Victims of the Earthquakes, Tsunami, and Nuclear Explosion in Japan
The oldest segment of Japans population will likely be the hardest hit as a result of the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami, based on data from previous catastrophic events. Approximately 23% of Japanese citizens currently are age 65 and above. This is the highest proportion of older people in any country. The Japan Intergenerational Unity Association has begun the Crayons and T-Shirts Hand in Hand project which aims to support victims of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear explosion in North East Japan. They are sending items such as T-Shirts, undergarments, hand cream, and towels to the elderly and pencils, notebooks, and crayons to children. The campaign has already sent more than 1,500 T-shirts and more than 300 mid-sized cardboard boxes which contain food, water and clothes to the victims in the northern areas of Japan.

Grandparents on a Mission
From Amy Goyer, AARP

In her latest column, Grandparents on a Mission, Amy Goyer of AARP profiles six grandparents who have taken personal experiences with their grandchildren and turned it into advocacy. See: http://www.aarp.org/ relationships/grandparenting/ info-03-2011/grandparentadvocates.html.
To access Amys archives

This guide offers assistance and a planning process for family caregivers on how to care for a person with developmental disabilities. The guide has information about financial and legal issues and provides 10 Tips for Family Caregivers. See: http://sonoranucedd.fcm. arizona.edu/sites/ sonoranucedd.fcm.arizona.edu/ files/CAREGIVING_ Roadmap_021010.pdf.

page, where you can see a full list of her columns online, go to: http://www.aarp.org/ relationships/experts/ amy_goyer/001/author% 3Aamy%20goyer/sort/date% 3AD%3AS%3Ad1/filter/0//. To see Amys article, Family Mediation Can Resolve Grandparent Visitation Disputes, go to: AARP.

Multigenerational Households are Increasing

From the Global Action on Aging Newsletter, April 27, 2011

As the U.S. continues its economic downturn, extended families are piling into single family homes. Multigenerational households are growing and their numbers accelerating. In 2008, some 6.2 million inter-

Penn State Intergenerational Initiatives Advisory Group Matthew Kaplan, Ph.D., Editor Professor Intergenerational Programs & Aging The Pennsylvania State University John Becker, J.D. Professor of Ag Economics and Law The Pennsylvania State University Andrea Bressler, CFCS, M.S. Penn State Extension Clearfield County Nancy Crago, Ph.D. Penn State Extension Allegheny County Mary Ann Curren Director of Therapeutic Recreation Foxdale Village Nancy Grotevant, Director Penn State Extension Pike County Jawaid Haider, Ph.D. Professor of Architecture The Pennsylvania State University Janice Hassen, Director Penn State Extension Lawrence County Linda Hendricks Penn State Extension Columbia County Mary Jo Kraft Penn State Extension York County Jon Mussbaum, Ph.D. Professor of Comm. Arts & Sciences The Pennsylvania State University Mark Sciegaj, Ph.D., M.P.H. Associate Dir., Smart Spaces Center The Pennsylvania State University Chris N. Sciamanna, MD, MPH Professor of Medicine and Public Health Sciences Pennsylvania State College of Medicine at Hershey

Atsuko Kusano, Director of the Japan Intergenerational Unity Association, commented on June 6, 2011, The situation of the Fukushima nuclear energy plant is still desperate and, for many, hopeless. A lot of people around the plant have lost their houses, fields, cows and pets like dogs and cats. Some refugees are still struggling. Refugees who went to the main big shelters can get enough food, water and clothes, but many of those who live in small-sized shelters or are staying in peoples houses that were not damaged so much are having a hard time getting enough food, water and clothes. Newspaper and TV journalists go to the main and big shelters and write their articles. We have been working for those minor refugees. For those interested in making a donation to "Crayons and T-Shirts Hand in Hand campaign, here is the relevant bank and contact information: SWIFT CODE: SMBCJPJT The Mitsuisumitomo Bank,Ltd. Eifukucho Branch Account #: 01-306-0819723 Name of NPO: Nihon Sedaikan Koryukyokai (JIUA:Japan Intergenerational Unity Association) Adress: c/o Prof.Kusano Laboratory, Shiraumegakuen University, 1-830, Ogawacho, Kodairashi, Tokyo, Japan 1878570 Phone Number: 42-348-2009 (country code 81) FAX: 42-346-5616 (country code 81) E-mail address for Atsuko Kusano (JIUA Director): kusano@shiraume.ac.jp.

Penn States Website for Relative Caregiver Programs and Resources in Pennsylvania

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Visit Penn State Extension on the web: extension.psu.edu. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied. Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact [Name and phone number] in advance of your participation or visit.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director. The Pennsylvania State university, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901: Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

Were on the Web! http://intergenerational.cas.psu.edu