Life and learning across generations
About six decades and very different life experiences separated the two women sitting next to each other in the Schowalter Villa lounge. One was a college student just beginning to explore the life that lay ahead of her, the other a health care resident reflecting on life lived to that point. Despite their obvious differences, the two found connection points as they shared about their college experiences, the places in which they grew up and their hobbies and interests.
“Intergenerational connections are important because the older you are, the more you’ve learned, and the more you learn, the more you have to share with those who haven’t had as much life experience,” said the Hesston College student, Josalyn Wipf. “I think the younger generation, or at least me personally, can miss the joy in the little things. I enjoy hearing the older generations’ stories of growth, sadness, love and college mishaps. There is so much value in listening to someone’s story and learning from them.”
Bluestem Communities is intentional about fostering intergenerational experiences that bring life-giving connection and benefits for all parties. Each of Bluestem’s life plan communities – Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton and Schowalter Villa in Hesston – have the unique benefit of being located next door to colleges that offer connection points across the generations – Bethel College and Hesston College, respectively - and Schowalter Villa houses the Hesston Intergenerational Child Development Center. In addition, a number of high school and college students are employed by Bluestem Communities and connect with residents and participants regularly in their work. The campuses also host summer Junior Volunteer Programs for teenagers, and a variety of other connection points happen regularly with all ages throughout the wider community.
The Hesston Intergenerational Child Development Center, a community daycare that has had its home at Schowalter Villa since 2005, provides daily interaction between residents and children. The children lovingly call their resident companions “grand-friends.”
“Intergenerational programs let adults be connected to young kids, which they may not have much opportunity for otherwise,” said Jill Moore, Schowalter Villa Life Enrichment Coordinator and Intergenerational Coordinator. “The adults benefit by doing things with children at their side that they wouldn’t do otherwise, and we see them all succeed and have fun.”
Some of the youngest children do morning exercises with assisted living residents, with the children mimicking their grand-friends touching their toes, raising their arms and more. The preschool-age children meet with grand-friends weekly for an organized activity such as balloon batting, parachute time, playing bells and target pitching. Both groups benefit from practicing brain and coordination skills, and the serotonin boost of spending time together.
“Children like to receive compliments and attention from their grand-friends, see smiling faces and play games,” said Moore. “There is always lots of laughter and mutual learning.”
Residents who live at Bluestem Communities have a lifetime of experiences – both personal and professional - that they are able to share with the younger generations with whom they cross paths. Having close proximity and close relationships with their neighboring colleges allows for many unique opportunities for the generations to connect through classes, social interactions and more.
Bethel College business professor and chair of the Business Department, Dr. Allison McFarland, Ph.D., MBA, arranged for her Consumer Behavior class to meet weekly at Kidron Bethel Village with participation from Kidron Bethel Village residents.
“The course looks at internal and external factors that influence the consumption of goods and services,” said McFarland. “Each week, students and Kidron Bethel participants utilize a research article focusing on a specific topic to guide their discussion. My goal has been to provide an opportunity for Bethel College business students to engage with consumers representing a different generation and to be able to call upon this experience later in their marketing careers.”
“In my career I taught business classes at several universities,” said Kidron Bethel Village resident Mel Voth. “I was excited about the opportunity to meet with the Bethel College business class because I longed for discussions with a younger generation of business students. Discussing various topics with a younger generation was interesting and informative to me. There is so much quality of life that is brought about only in involvement with younger individuals.”
As witnessed through the smiles, laughter and captivated conversations, hearing about others’ experiences and opinions creates space for connection and understanding rather than making uninformed judgements about other generations.
“Intergenerational connections are important to me because I know I can learn a great amount from other generations, and I value the answers they give me,” said Kate Eichelberger, a Bethel College student in the Consumer Behaviors class. “I am extremely grateful to be presented with the opportunity to connect with the Kidron Bethel Village residents, and it is one of the highlights of my Bethel College experience.”