Intergenerational Montessori Program for Adults With Memory Concerns.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Child Development
• Intergenerational Studies

Background:

• Older adults with memory concerns often experience decreased engagement and affect.
• Intergenerational programs can potentially benefit both children and older adults.
• Montessori methods offer structured, engaging activities suitable for diverse age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an intergenerational Montessori after-school program's impact on older adults with memory concerns.
• To assess changes in older adults' engagement, affect, and quality of life.
• To examine children's attitudes toward older adults following program participation.

Main Methods:

• Eleven older adults were paired with eleven children in a 45-minute after-school program.
• Engagement and affect were observed during sessions with and without children present.
• Quality of life and cognitive status were assessed pre- and post-program.

Main Results:

• Older adults showed significantly higher engagement and positive affect when interacting with children.
• Program participation was linked to improved quality of life and maintained cognitive status in older adults.
• Children exhibited active engagement and positive affect; some showed improved attitudes toward older adults.

Conclusions:

• The intergenerational Montessori program successfully enhanced engagement and affect in older adults with mild memory concerns.
• The program demonstrated positive outcomes for both participating age groups.
• Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to explore the program's broader potential.