The VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center is looking forward to our annual intergenerational day with the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts on April 30^th!     The group is going to work on in-home activity kits for homebound seniors in VNSNY CHOICE (http://2012.vnsnychoice.org/).     This activity was so successful last year, that we’re doing it again to help support local seniors that are isolated at home.  

Our seniors, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts benefit on so many levels from this project – the seniors spend time with and enjoy younger generations, they create a product that helps homebound, depressed and isolated seniors in the community, and the Girl and Boy Scouts learn to connect positively with seniors.    See below for an example of how intergenerational activities have lasting effects, written by one of the Girl Scouts…

“My name is Sarah and I’ve been in Girl Scouts since the first grade.  One of my favorite things I’ve done with my troop is going to work with seniors at VNSNY. Being at VNSNY when I had time off from school made me feel really good because I love helping people and talking to them. When my troop and I started going to VNSNY I instantly fell in love with what I was doing. I got up and danced with the seniors, did some guitar playing in a talent show, and aided the seniors with arts and crafts.

I had an easy time connecting with the seniors because I have grandparents around their age. My grandparents love spending time with me and younger people, and so do the people at VNSNY. I think that’s one reason why they liked when my troop and I came to spend time with them.”

Not only does this meaningful project bring generations together, but it also shares great ideas on in-home activities that caregivers can do with homebound seniors.   Stay tuned for details on in-home activities ideas!