Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships (TIGP) brings high school students from Danforth Collegiate Institute and nearby elderly Torontonians to create – what participants call – a magical experience.
The unique relationship between students and seniors made possible through Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships bridges the age barrier and allows seniors to have more of a dynamic role in their community.
“TIGP as we like to call it is a non-profit agency that serves seniors in the community,” Diana Locke, Manager of Community Health and Wellness said. “We felt there was a need for seniors to have interaction with youth of different generations and it’s a great program for both the seniors and youth.”
The program involves students and seniors playing Nintendo WII, darts and pool.
Once a week both groups also eat lunch together and more importantly, students gain respect and learn more about older adults in their community.
“The strong connections I feel that we’re making in this community are really essential,” Tony Ye, a student volunteer said.
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Ye also highlights the dynamic role of communication.
“Seniors in this program have shared numerous life stories and we really value that, it really helps us understand what it’s like to be an adult and also matures us as people.”
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Seniors, like Allan Mackarous echo similar sentiments.
“Basically, to interact with them because I’ve been here for a few years now and I like to see them, how they evolve over the years, it’s a different thing every week,” Allan Mackarous, a program participant said. “They come in with their stories; they ask us questions, we give our perspective of it. It’s really great!”
TIGP is an organization that also wants to deepen the understanding of students’ perception of aging.
“We found that it was a great activity for students to learn from the seniors, to hear stories of the past, to reminisce with them and to learn different things about the lifestyles that are so different,” Diana Locke, Manager of Community Health and Wellness said.
Initially, youth join the program to obtain their 40 hours of community service but many students like Tony have extended their time with TIGP.
The program has many positive aspects, allowing seniors to better enjoy their life.
“It is definitely increasing the lifespan of the seniors. It’s keeping them active, it is allowing them to socialize, it’s keeping them out of the hospital settings and it’s given them a purpose to their day,” Locke said.
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