Effects of an Intergenerational Friendly Visit Program on the Attitudes of Fourth Graders Toward Elders

The Effects of a Second-Grade Social Studies Curriculum Infused with Positive Aging Concepts on Children's Attitudes Towards Aging

“…Results of this study support previous research indicating that intergenerational experiences, as well as literature-based activities, can promote changes in children's attitudes toward aging (Aday, Sims, & Moseley, 1999;McGuire, 1993;Russell, Die, & Walker, 1986;Schwalbach and Kiernan, 2002). Furthermore, this study demonstrates that these types of experiences do not need to be separate from the existing subject matter curricula, but instead can be infused within an existing standards-based social studies curriculum.…”

“…This focus on athletics may be related in part to the fact that the children's favorite piece of literature was Supergrandpa, which centers on "Grandpa's" athletic prowess. The increased percentage of responses pertaining to athletic activity supports Schwalbach and Kiernan's (2002) finding that children's responses to a question about what they would be like when they were old emphasized active participation in life, following visits with active elderly guests.…”

“…A study by Schwalbach and Kiernan (2002) provided fourth graders with instruction about aging concepts through a combination of literature, discussion, visits with healthy and active elders, role-play, and simulation. At the end of the study, children continued to see aging as a process with both positive and negative elements.…”

Children's Attitudes Toward Older Adults and Aging: A Synthesis of Research

“…Ageism describes the stigmatization and discrimination against older adults and the effect of negative attitudes on them (Blunk & Williams, 1997;Schwalbach & Kiernan, 2002). Ageist attitudes are prevalent throughout American society.…”

Community-Service Activities Versus Traditional Activities in an Intergenerational Visiting Program

“…Indeed, participating in intergenerational visiting programs has been linked with a variety of favorable outcomes, including positive behaviors and interactions (Angersbach & Jones-Forster, 1999;Bales, Eklund, & Siffin, 2000;Kuehne, 1989;Kuehne, 1992;Larkin & Newman, 2001;Newman & Ward, 1992-1993 as well as positive attitudes about the other generation (Aday, Aday, Arnold, & Bendix, 1996;Ivey, 2001;Schwalbach & Kiernan, 2002).…”