Proactive Aging and Intergenerational Mentoring Program to Promote the Well-Being of Older Adults: Pilot Studies

Proactive aging and intergenerational programs are becoming important for two major reasons. First, the aging population underscores the importance of creating opportunities for older adults to continue engaging in society. Second, there is an increasing need to develop sustainable means to assist older adults in need. The present project describes two innovative pilot studies on the well-being of older adults: (1) a psychoeducational program on proactive aging for senior citizens; (2) an intergenerational mentoring program for university students in which non-frail older adults pair up with students to provide support to the frail elderly. The outcomes of the interventions suggest enhanced psychological and social well-being of the older adults and students. The project will have important implications for developing long-term community and university partnerships as well as multi-modal psychoeducational materials to sustain the initiative after completion of the project.