Leadership development in geriatric care through the Intergeneration Make a Difference Project

The Intergeneration Make a Difference Project (MADP) is designed to develop leadership skills in geriatric nursing for seniors in a baccalaureate nursing program. This service-learning project with octogenarians and older individuals is based on theoretical constructs of caring. Stories and journaling are of great importance in the project. Expected outcomes are cognitive, affective, personal, and interpersonal. Students are expected to engage in critical/reflective thinking and develop leadership skills, heightened respect for the elderly, and interest in lifelong learning and a service orientation to society. Empowered to influence their clients, students receive the reciprocal benefits of an intergenerational relationship that, it is hoped, will affect how they care for the elderly in the future.