Bridging Generations: How the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is Fostering Intergenerational Connections in Assisted Living

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, an innovative approach to education and community engagement is creating powerful connections between students and seniors in assisted living facilities in Madison. These intergenerational programs, designed to foster meaningful relationships between young adults and older generations, are helping to bridge the social gap between the two groups while addressing the growing issue of isolation among seniors. For the elderly residents of local facilities regular visits from UWW students provide much-needed companionship and mental stimulation. For the students, these interactions offer practical experience and a deeper understanding of aging, preparing them for careers in social work, healthcare, education, and beyond.

Social isolation is a well-documented challenge for seniors living in assisted living facilities, many of whom are far from family or have lost close friends and loved ones. UWW’s programs address this issue head-on by facilitating regular interactions between seniors and students, who share stories, participate in activities, and offer emotional support. Research has shown that these kinds of social connections can significantly improve mental health outcomes for the elderly, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression while boosting cognitive function. By simply engaging in conversations or participating in shared activities, seniors often experience an enhanced sense of purpose and community.

For UWW students, the experience is equally transformative. Through their participation in these intergenerational programs, students gain hands-on experience in fields like social work, education, and healthcare, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world settings. Working closely with older adults helps students develop empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of the unique challenges that come with aging—skills that are increasingly important in professions that serve diverse populations. UWW’s commitment to community engagement is built into the curriculum, allowing students to earn academic credit while contributing to the well-being of seniors in their community.

One of the key components of UWW’s approach is its internship program through the Department of Social Work, where students are placed in local assisted living facilities. Here, they work alongside professional caregivers to provide support to seniors, organizing social activities, offering companionship, and helping residents with daily tasks. This hands-on experience introduces students to the complexities of elder care while reinforcing the importance of building relationships based on trust, respect, and compassion.

Students in UWW’s College of Education and Professional Studies also participate in intergenerational activities, with a focus on promoting cognitive health in seniors. These students lead activities such as puzzles, arts and crafts, and word games—designed to engage seniors in mental exercises that help maintain cognitive function. For education students, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to apply learning strategies in real-world contexts, providing both academic and emotional enrichment.

Healthcare students from UWW’s College of Integrated Studies are similarly involved in the university’s efforts, working directly with seniors in assisted living facilities as part of their clinical rotations. These students are trained in providing elder care, assisting with physical therapy, monitoring health, and offering mobility support. Through these clinical experiences, students not only gain technical skills but also learn how to provide compassionate, individualized care that enhances the quality of life for seniors.

These programs, beyond benefiting individual participants, are also making a positive impact on the local assisted living facilities themselves. Facilities often face challenges related to staffing and resources, and the presence of UWW students helps alleviate some of this strain by providing additional support and helping to organize activities. For seniors, the regular engagement with young people from outside their immediate community helps them feel more connected to the world around them.

By fostering these intergenerational relationships, UWW is helping to create a more inclusive and connected community. The university’s commitment to community-based learning, particularly in the context of senior care, reflects a broader effort to prepare students for careers that require not only technical proficiency but also emotional intelligence and a deep sense of social responsibility.

The benefits of these programs are clear: seniors experience reduced isolation and improved mental well-being, while students gain valuable insights and practical experience that will serve them in their future careers. As the nation’s population continues to age, these kinds of intergenerational initiatives offer a meaningful way to address the challenges of elder care while fostering empathy and understanding between different generations.

Through its innovative approach to education and community engagement, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is setting a powerful example of how universities can contribute to the well-being of their communities. By bringing students and seniors together, UWW is helping to bridge generational divides, enriching the lives of both groups and building a stronger, more compassionate society.