Bringing The Generations Together – For Fun & Purpose!
Media, Pennsylvania. February 9, 2017. Early on a Monday morning in January, the usual good energy that permeates the environment at Sterling Healthcare & Rehabilitation went a few degrees higher – and you could clearly see why:
The 164-bed facility, located in a tranquil setting in Media, Pennsylvania, and dedicated to serving the subacute rehabilitation and long-term care needs of the community, welcomed the beautiful and just delightful children from Media-Providence Friends School and their accompanying teachers.
“When it comes to the well-being of our Residents, we go to great lengths to access the tremendous value of intergenerational programming,” says Nancy Newman, Director of Activities at Sterling. “We love to see the lush foliage that surrounds our Center, its beautiful entrance with the large windows overlooking manicured gardens, and the sparkling fountain that is a neighborhood landmark suddenly inundated with the distinctive energy that belongs to elementary and high school students.”
Comfortably engaged in arts & crafts projects with the students, you could see the Residents basking in the natural warmth of children, with their fresh outlook on life and their genuine smiles. “But make no mistake,” interjects Newman, “the beauty of intergenerational activities is in the fact that both seniors and children alike gain immeasurably.”
Indeed, the latest research indicates that interacting with older adults enables young children to develop social and communication skills and generates in them positive attitudes towards aging; and in high school students, it nurtures a sense of purpose and community service that is priceless. “Both groups have so much to teach and to learn from each other that the results of these visits are always magical.”
The visit certainly left the Residents at Sterling with a happier heart – and renewed hope for the future!
A proud member of Nationwide Healthcare Services, Sterling provides the community with an array of post-acute services and specialized programs that include Wound Care, Memory Care, and a unique Veterans Program, as well as intensive daily Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies. For more information and to schedule a tour, please call (610) 566-1400.