INTERGENERATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN NICARAGUA

摘要

By mid-century, 80% of the world’s older population will live in low/middle-income countries, many of which lack expertise in gerontology and geriatrics. As part of a study-abroad service-learning program focused on improving health and well-being of older adults in Nicaragua, students and faculty at Portland State University, in cooperation with in-country partners, developed and implemented evidence-based trainings in Nicaraguan communities to promote intergenerational relationships. Formal intergenerational programs do not exist in Nicaragua, despite expressed community interest. To date, we have trained over 100 community members (e.g., Rotary clubs, church groups), high school, and college students. This presentation will detail our intergenerational program efforts in Nicaragua, the qualitative results (e.g., insights gained about aging, increased empathy for older adults) as well as the results of a survey of college students (N = 483) about their perceptions on aging (e.g., students’ age stereotyping despite significant time spent with older family members).