Promoting Adult Health and Development with an Intergenerational Program
A Good Idea
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
The Adult Health and Development Program (AHDP) at the University of Maryland, College Park, is an intergenerational health promotion and rehabilitation program in which college students and volunteers are paired with older adults for the purpose of engaging in health and wellness activities. It is a 32-year-old academic course and volunteer program. Members are from one of four groups: People residing in the community; foreign-born - mostly Latino; those who are developmentally challenged; and Veterans Administration Nursing Home residents - all of whom use wheelchairs.
Goal / Mission
The goal of AHDP is to encourage health promotion by using a strategy primarily directed at postponement of chronic illness and improvement of vitality through increased physical, psychological and social activity.
Results / Accomplishments
Results of evaluations indicate that, generally, all members expected and received positive benefits from their AHDP experience.
Return rates of members and staffers:
-About 33 percent of members return each semester.
-The average number of semesters both members and senior staffers are involved in the program is about 7.7. Some have been involved for well over 20 semesters.
Return rates of members and staffers:
-About 33 percent of members return each semester.
-The average number of semesters both members and senior staffers are involved in the program is about 7.7. Some have been involved for well over 20 semesters.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
University of Maryland, College Park
Primary Contact
Dr. Daniel Leviton
HHP Building, Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-2528
dleviton@umd.edu
HHP Building, Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-2528
dleviton@umd.edu
Topics
Health / Older Adults
Community / Civic Engagement
Community / Civic Engagement
Organization(s)
University of Maryland, College Park
Source
National Service Resource Center
Date of publication
4/8/2004
Location
College Park, MD
Target Audience
Older Adults