IP YOUNG ANGELS
The number of senior citizens living in nursing homes is growing rapidly. Often these seniors have either a mental or physical disability. Therefore many can not leave the facility without family or nursing staff. The ratio of nursing staff to senior citizens is 1:15, and often worse.
The Intergenerational Program Young Angels is an effective way to enrich the lifes of the elderly. Children and youngsters visit seniors on a regular or spontaneous basis. They play, cook, and sing together, although the active part is more driven by the juniors.
Still, the elderly clearly appreciate the buzz around them. Some say that having kids around them keeps them young. A study showed that regular personal interaction with children improves the health of senior citizens and lowers their usage of medication, relative to control groups.
For the children, these visits trigger important thought processes in their personal development.
The IP Young Angels started in May 2009 in the nursing home MünchenStift Tauernstraße in Munich, Germany. At present, we are testig a new format which includes a group of children practicing and performing ballet.
Partner: Nursing home MünchenStift Tauernstraße, Munich, Germany.
© United Generations
© United Generations