The purpose of this study was to pilot an enhanced version of the “Share your Life Story” life review writing workshop. The enhanced version included the addition of an intergenerational exchange, based on the content of seniors’ writings, with students planning careers in the health sciences. The researcher employed a mixed methods design. Preliminary results using descriptive analysis revealed an increase in positive images of aging and a decrease in negative images of aging among the five student participants. Qualitative results revealed six themes that illuminate the hows and whys of the quantitative results as well as additional program benefits. Feedback from students and seniors helped to refine the intergenerational protocol for a larger scale study. 1. Introduction In the United States and in many countries around the globe, the population is aging. The growth of the older adult population raises concerns with regard to the number of health care providers available to care for this population. In a recent report, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended a focused effort on increasing the recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and caregivers [1]. Many students in medicine and allied health have little interest in working with older adult clients [2]. However, Robert and Mosher-Ashley [3] found that students who had more positive attitudes towards older adults were more likely to be interested in careers in geriatrics. Therefore, interventions that target perceptions of older adults/aging among the younger generation and that promote an interest in working with this population are warranted. Intergenerational programs not only benefit older adults, but can also impact the attitudes of the younger generation [4]. Intergenerational programs can be defined as programs that engage different generations, for example, a younger and older generation, in mutually beneficial planned activities [5]. The majority of studies in this area of inquiry have focused on well elders and primary and secondary students. However, programs that include older adults with cognitive and functional impairments and that involve college students have also been studied [4]. Intergenerational programs can take on a number of forms and incorporate a variety of activities to promote an exchange between the generations. Examples include student run exercise or recreational programs, joint participation in university and college courses, joint participation in civic engagement/volunteer projects, older adult led outdoor classroom activities, reminiscence and life
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