Students and senior citizens learning from each other

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Community Health

Background:

• Associate-degree nursing students require practical experience with diverse patient populations.
• Early exposure to well elderly individuals can mitigate negative stereotypes.
• Service learning offers a structured approach to community engagement and skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a service learning experience for first-quarter nursing students in a senior citizen center.
• To enhance student learning in areas such as interviewing, observation, and vital sign measurement.
• To provide health and well-being benefits to senior citizens through student interaction and health screenings.

Main Methods:

• First-quarter associate-degree nursing students participated in planned activities at a senior center.
• Students engaged with well elderly adults, practicing clinical skills in a controlled setting.
• Activities included blood pressure checks, home safety education, and nutrition counseling for seniors.

Main Results:

• Students reported positive learning experiences and improved attitudes toward the elderly.
• Senior citizens benefited from health monitoring and felt more valued through interaction.
• All stakeholders, including students, seniors, faculty, and center staff, reported positive evaluations.

Conclusions:

• The service learning model effectively benefits both nursing students and senior citizens.
• This program fosters positive intergenerational relationships and improves student confidence.
• The successful integration of this service learning experience into the nursing curriculum is recommended.