This week we visited Casa de Manana, where we hosted an intergenerational discussion on age-friendly communities with the residents. After reporting the findings from our NAPs on the age-friendliness of La Jolla, Barrio Logan, and Golden Hill, we partnered with Casa de Manana residents in small groups to discuss essential features of an age-friendly community and propose ways to make the physical and social environment of the city more age friendly. Our elder partners provided great insight into the difficulties that seniors face daily, including narrow crosswalks and buses that do not allow enough time for seniors to board and settle. Most of our elder partners were also interested in creating more intergenerational activities to enhance social inclusion and respect for different generations, and they proposed activities that would benefit both the old and young. For instance, a resident suggested that students attend classes about current world issues with elders at Casa de Manana and/or receive tutoring and mentorship from the wise and experienced seniors. Another resident expressed interest in a combined senior and child care program where elders can help babysit toddlers. Hearing the elders’ perspective on age-friendly features was enlightening and helped me realize how age segregation in our society begets ageism and thus impeded healthy aging. Also, the wisdom, kindness, gratefulness, and humbleness exuded by Casa de Manana residents never ceased to amaze and inspire me. At the end of the discussion, a resident told me that she is proud of her children and the younger generations for the changes and innovations they have contributed to society, and that she is eager to see us students leave our mark on the world. I, too, am excited to see my peers and myself make an impact on our community and promote healthy aging.
Nhi NguyenArchives
June 2018
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