One of our wonderful Girl Scout volunteers who comes to the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center (http://2012.vnsnychoice.org/) for intergenerational programs is now spending some time in China. She wrote to us to share how her experience with the elderly at our center is shaping her experience in Shanghai. It’s very interesting and I wanted to share it with you.

My name is Neassa and I have been a Girl Scout since the 4th Grade. One of the parts of Girl Scouts that I have enjoyed the most is preparing for and visiting the wonderful seniors at VNSNY. Our troop became associated with VNSNY a few years back and we have spent our days off from school putting on shows, helping with bingo and running arts and crafts projects. I remember one of the first times we visited as a troop in the sixth grade, Nikki and I did a number from our school musical. Visiting the seniors at the center has always been fun for everyone in our troop and gives us a strong purpose.

I have just left New York and am living in Shanghai now. Being so far from home, one of the memories I will treasure are the times spent there with all those lovely seniors at VNSNY. In Shanghai,  retirees and elderly people spend lots of time in the parks and doing Tai Chi. Now as I watch the Shanghai elders step through their elegant slow moves, I have a different appreciation for how people grow old from my time working with VNSNY.  I will be starting my Gold project from China and haven’t figured it out yet, but I know that I will draw upon what I learned in our VNSNY projects. Thank you VNSNY for the volunteer opportunities.

I’m so glad that Neassa’s time at our center has changed her perspective on seniors. This is a great example of how intergenerational programs can have lasting effects on everyone involved!