Linking Lifetimes: A Global View of Intergenerational Exchange

by Matthew S. Kaplan (Editor), Nancy Z. Henkin (Editor), Atsuko T. Kusano (Editor), Howard Giles (Contribution by), Robert M. McCann (Contribution by)

Overview

In many developing and post-industrialized nations, there are powerful demographic and social changes that are endangering the natural ways that old and young have traditionally interacted. The current growth in the young and elderly segments of the population, of most countries, is leading to new challenges in terms of providing health care, education, financial support, and social support systems for the young as well as the elderly. An important set of strategies for addressing these trends and the quality of life concerns they generate is the facilitation of intergenerational programs. The National Council on the Aging has defined 'intergenerational programming' as 'activities or programs that increase cooperation, interaction or exchange between any two generations.' In Linking Lifetimes, the contributors explore the range of intergenerational programs and policies found across the globe, and examine their role in ensuring the transmission of cultural values from generation to generation. By illustrating the rich diversity of intergenerational program models, the contributors discover how the common goal of promoting intergenerational interaction and understanding unfolds into differential trends, social issues, and human service systems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761822134
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	03/26/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	300
Product dimensions:	5.36(w) x 8.44(h) x 0.89(d)

About the Author

Matthew S. Kaplan is Associate Professor of Intergenerational Programs and Aging in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at Pennsylvania State University. Nancy Z. Henkin is Founder and Executive Director of the Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Atsuko T. Kusano is Associate Professor in the Department of Education at Shinshu University and Chief Representative of the Japan Intergenerational Network.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Conceptual Issues: A Conceptual Framework for Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Intergenerational Initiatives; Challenging Intergenerational Stereotypes Across Eastern and Western Cultures; Strengthening Intergenerational Bonds through Volunteerism: A G Chapter 3 National and Regional Profiles: North America: Advancing an Intergenerational Agenda in the United States; Intergenerational Teaching and Learning in Canadian First Nations Partnership Programs; Intergenerational Programs and Possibilities in Chapter 4 Pacific & Asian Region: Intergenerational Initiatives in Singapore: Commitments to Community and Family Building; Intergenerational Initiatives in the Marshall Islands: Implications for Promoting Cultural Continuity; Intergenerational Programs in Ja Chapter 5 Europe: Intergenerational Community Building in the Netherlands Chapter 6 Intergenerational Engagement in the UK: A Framework for Creating Inclusive Communities; German Pupils and Jewish Seniors: Intergenerational Dialogue as a Framework for Healing History Chapter 7 Latin America: Intergenerational Relationships in Latin America and the Caribbean; Cuba: Fertile Ground for an Intergenerational Arts Movement Chapter 8 South Africa: Intergenerational Initiatives in South Africa: Reflecting and Aiding a Society in Transition Chapter 9 Time to Organize: Organizing at the National Level: Lessons Learned from the U.S. and Japan; Creating an "International Consortium for Intergenerational Programs"

Editorial Reviews

a 'must read' for all those in the intergenerational movement, educational, health and social services, social, cultural, political, and economic development, and anyone who is interested in discussions about finding better ways that generations can learn to live together.

Journal Of Intergenerational Relationships - Margaret Ann Nicholls

An insightful comparison of how different societies struggle to maintain their rich heritage of beliefs and traditions in the face of increasing institutionalization and age-segregation. This work is an important contribution to the field, filling an obvious gap in the literature about the essence of intergenerational exchange, its powerful consequences, and an emerging body of knowledge about effective programming from an international perspective.

Elizabeth Larkin

This book is timely in its appearance.. . It brings together a range of contributions from individuals who have clearly helped shape our understanding of the intergenerational field from a number of different perspectives.

Jeff Thomas

…a 'must read' for all those in the intergenerational movement, educational, health and social services, social, cultural, political, and economic development, and anyone who is interested in discussions about finding better ways that generations can learn to live together.
— Margaret Ann Nicholls, PhD, University of Waikato

Journal Of Intergenerational Relationships

After four chapters explaining the basic conceptual issues of intergenerational bonding and education, Kaplan (agricultural and extension education, Pennsylvania State U., UK), Henkin (Temple U. Center for Intergenerational Learning, US), and Kusano (education, Shinsu U., Japan) present 12 studies of policies promoting intergenerational relationships from various regions of the world. A diversity of programming models that have been implemented in the United States, Canada, Singapore, the Marshall Islands, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Latin America, Cuba, and South Africa are presented. Finally, concluding chapters discuss possibilities for further work at both the national and international levels. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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