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HOW BESSIE'S HOPE LEGACY YOUTH AND ELDERS PROGRAM OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO THE FOLLOWING SOCIETAL PROBLEMS
Loneliness of Elders in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
60% of nursing home residents receive no personal visits. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher risks for: high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune function, anxiety, cognitive decline and dementia. On-going visits by Bessie’s Hope Legacy youth help alleviate that loneliness.
Bullying
Bullying is a serious national issue—Dr. Jodee Blanco, one of our country’s pre-eminent voices on the subject of school bullying says, “Here’s the issue: the whole problem is a lack of compassion. If we can cultivate a sense of kindness and compassion in our kids at an early age and encourage the social neurocircuitry (how our brains are wired) in a positive way, then it is most often possible to prevent bullying.” She shared that compassion cannot be taught, but must be experienced, and “Bessie’s Hope provides this experience.” Adult participants have reported that aggressive behavior toward peers lessens, due to the youths’ visits with the elders.
Ageism Towards Older AdultsAgeism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others based on age. Older adults are often stereotyped as being slow, weak, and feeble in body and mind. Their wisdom from years of experience is overlooked, and they often feel invisible and unheard. Ageism is linked to poorer health and higher mortality. Also, ageism is at its optimum in nursing homes.The Bessie’s Hope Legacy Youth and Elders Program helps alleviate ageism by bringing together old and young in meaningful, relationship-building interaction. Because both age groups feel empowered and valued, this program influences how the generations view one another and themselves. Many Youth Lack Social Emotional IntelligenceHaving a high level of social / emotional intelligence allows you to empathize with others, communicate effectively, and be both self and socially aware. Studies have shown that intergenerational programs that cultivate relationships between youth and older adults encourage sharing between generations in a way that facilitates the social / emotional development of the youth. |