Intergenerational Preschool Program

About Our Life-Enriching Intergenerational Preschool Program

At Inver Glen Senior Living, we dedicate ourselves to helping our community members lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives in a safe and supportive environment. We proudly offer our seniors the fun, life-enriching experiences of intergenerational programming in cooperation with All Seasons Preschool. The Inver Grove Heights location conveniently sits right on our campus. This unique program allows residents and local preschoolers to develop meaningful, cross-generational relationships that provide social, mental, emotional, and even physical benefits for all.

What Is Intergenerational Learning/ Child Care Programming?

Intergenerational programming focuses on bringing children and older adults together to collaborate and share with one another. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), these activities promote the exchange of skills, knowledge, and/or experiences between the generations through cooperation and interaction and have a positive effect on everyone involved.

What Are the Benefits of Intergenerational Programs for Seniors?

Research has consistently shown that intergenerational programming benefits both young children and seniors. The youthful innocence and energetic spirit of preschoolers can help older people in many ways, including:

• Preventing and alleviating loneliness and boredom with increased socialization
• Enhancing overall mood through establishing meaningful connections and shared experiences
• Reinvigorating the enthusiasm inspired by the animation of young children
• Increasing energy and a sense of purpose from connecting with young children and experiencing new social roles
• Fostering and enjoying the social, mental, and emotional benefits of new relationships
• Filling a social gap for seniors who lack regular contact with young family members
• Enjoying physical health benefits such as lower blood pressure and slower mental decline

These interactions benefit the preschoolers as well. The patience and wisdom of the older generation helps kids see beyond their personal experience, promoting the development of a broader world view that celebrates diversity, empathy, and inclusivity. Intergenerational programs also allow seniors to share stories and pass along traditions, leading to a better understanding of the similarities and differences among lifestyles of different generations. Additionally, children who spend a significant amount of quality time with seniors demonstrate more advanced vocabularies and social skills.

Maintain a Happy, Healthy Lifestyle at Inver Glen

Promoting the health, happiness, and well-being of our residents drives all that we do at Inver Glen Senior Living. We take pride in providing a wide range of opportunities to support that mission, including our intergenerational programming.

Learn more about the enriching lifestyle and activities we offer our community members. Contact us today to schedule a tour.