A generation exchange project: Aprendamos juntos

Abstract

Introduction: In order to promote the interaction between children and elderly, the project Aprendamos Juntos (Let's Learn Together) was carried out in Lanzarote (Canary Islands). Methodology: Students from a local school and the residents of a nursing home, with moderate physical impairment, participated in the project. Two sessions took place in the school and two in the nursing home. Results: There was a high level of satisfaction. It was noticed that the children had a change of attitude with regard to their respect of the elderly. We verified that there was an increase in the motivation and in the daily activity of the latter. The professionals also experienced increased work satisfaction. Conclusions: The activities that have been undertaken work not only as playful activity, but also have a therapeutic function. The changes in the attitude of the children with respect to the elderly are very significant. The interdisciplinary vision allowed the professionals involved to achieve their therapeutic objectives with ease. We point out the numerous benefits which have been attained in spite of the very low cost of the project.