Program Area: Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education
Joann Montepare, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE
Professor of Psychology, Director Fuss Research Center
Psychology
Lasell University
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Kimberly Farah, PhD
Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry
Lasell University
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Lisa Borrero, PhD, FAGHE
Associate Professor of Health and Aging Studies
Interprofessional Health and Aging Studies
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Joann Montepare, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE
Professor of Psychology, Director Fuss Research Center
Psychology
Lasell University
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Shannon Jarrott, PhD, FGSA
Professor
Social Work
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Jason Dauenhauer, PhD, MSW
Professor of Social Work
Social Work
SUNY College at Brockport
Brockport, New York, United States
Skye Leedahl, PhD
Associate Professor
Human Development & Family Science
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
Aging populations are reshaping how we think about teaching and learning in higher education. As a result, educational opportunities for intergenerational exchange are on the rise with the growth of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative. Endorsed by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, the AFU principles call for promoting intergenerational exchange to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages. Age diverse classrooms and learning spaces have distinctive needs and dynamics that instructors, and students, will need to learn how to navigate. This collaborative symposium, that brings together members of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) and Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement (ILRCE) Interest Groups, will explore evidenced-based practices that contribute to successful experiences in and beyond the classroom. Montepare and Farah will provide an overview of the AFU initiative and intergenerational classroom issues. Jarrott and colleagues will address how technology and other strategies can prepare individuals for intergenerational learning experiences, including when circumstances limit in-person opportunities, such as during COVID. Dauenhauer and Heffernan will share insights from faculty about ways to develop and sustain a lifelong learning program that incorporates intergenerational interactions in the classroom experience. Leedahl will discuss strategies for developing age-friendly intergenerational internship experiences with community partners. Borrero, co-convener of the ILRCE Interest Group, will serve as the discussant.
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Joann M. Montepare, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE – Lasell University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Shannon E. Jarrott, PhD, FGSA – The Ohio State University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jason Dauenhauer, PhD, MSW – SUNY College at Brockport
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Skye N. Leedahl, PhD – University of Rhode Island