Research shows that seniors are more at risk of social isolation and its consequences—including poor mental and physical health. Studies show that bringing together seniors and children creates positive outcomes for both. For children, benefits include improvements in reading, academic achievement, and observed classroom behaviour. For seniors, benefits include improved physical functioning and mobility, improved cognition, increased social activity, and increased social networking.
We work to increase intergenerational programming in the family support sector by: developing and sharing resources on intergenerational programming; providing professional development opportunities to those working with seniors and children; and supporting the growth of promising intergenerational programs.
In order to explore and better understand the connection between children’s rights to participation and protection, the International and Canadian Child Rights Partnership (ICCRP) was established following an international conference held at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in October 2015. The ICCRP examines how intergenerational relationships can transcend current barriers to implementing children's rights, through intergenerational partnerships, in research, policy, and practice
As a partner, we contribute to the Partnership Advisory Committee and share findings and opportunities to participate in research with the Canadian family support sector.
Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, in collaboration with the Council on Aging of Ottawa and Families Canada, is leading a project to develop demonstration sites that will implement, document, and showcase best practices in intergenerational programming as a part of licensed early learning and care.
We are supporting the project by helping share best practices in intergenerational programming, sharing tools and resources that will help others replicate the demonstration sites’ success, and bringing in relevant stakeholders into the project.
It is estimated that more than half a million Canadians over the age of 65 are living with diagnosed dementia. Lack of awareness and stigma can result in barriers to care and support for those living with dementia and reduce participation in activities that support quality of life.
In this project, we worked with our valued partners Council on Aging of Ottawa, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to reduce dementia stigma and increase the capacity of the family support sector to integrate dementia-inclusivity in intergenerational programming. The long-term outcome of this project is to integrate dementia awareness in intergenerational programs across Canada through the development of multimedia resources, capacity-building activities, and awareness campaigns.
If you’d like more information on any of our projects, please contact us at info@familiescanada.ca.