Intergenerational programs: something for everyone - American Society of Parks and Recreation

Parks & Recreation, Jan, 2003

Intergenerational programs are on the rise. By putting different generations together, new friendships develop, age differences disappear and a greater understanding of each generation can unfold. Consider what happened when the Golden Hours Senior Center in Ogden, Utah, held a Senior to Senior Prom. It had all the ingredients of a high school prom, but the attendees had a lot more depth of experience.

The prom took a lot of planning and effort to find the right mixture of students. The students and seniors worked together decorating the hall and served refreshments. The key to cross-generational programming is that the process--witnessing two generations working together--can be even more valuable than the outcome. It took a few meetings before both groups would open up and share their ideas with each other, but both generations found that they have a lot in common. When the big day arrived, everything seemed to fall into place.

The decorations were done in a 1950s theme, with a cardboard standup jukebox. Several stand-up legends like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe were placed around the room. Music from the 1950s was played by a live band, a red carpet was placed by the front door and dance cards were used just like in the 50s. The highlight of the day was watching a senior teach the students how to do the old-time Charleston, and the teens taught the seniors how to do their style of dance. One of the biggest differences was the footwear worn by both generations. The seniors wore high heels and dress shoes, and the students wore sandals, tennis shoes or just socks. (It was a generation thing.)

"The best part of the day was when a senior confided in me that she had never had the chance to attend her own high school prom," says Linda Thomas, director of the Golden Hours Senior Center. "She bought a special dress for this prom and was asked to dance by a charming young man. Her face lit up as they danced across the floor. It was a wonderful day for her and all that attended." When the prom was over, the teens invited the seniors to attend their high school prom the following weekend. Many went and had a ball!

For more information, contact Linda Thomas at 801-399-,5230 or lindathomas@ci.ogden.ut.us.