Juniper Village of Bucks County, 3200 Bensalem Blvd., is partnering with Generations Over Lunch in an effort to promote cross generational dialogue on Monday, Jan. 16, which marks Martin Luther King Day.
Working in conjunction with AmeriCorps volunteers and individuals in the community, the vision for this MLK Day of Service is to bring youth activists from the Gen Z and Millennial generations together with senior living residents to connect and build a relationship across the age continuum.
This nationally-elevated conversation around age literacy, awareness and new possibilities for seniors and visitors of all ages grew out of the Death Over Dinner and Drugs Over Dinner platform, created by Michael Hebb; and the Generations Over Dinner model championed by Chip Conley, founder of Modern Elder Academy. These successful events have demonstrated the importance of bringing curious minds together to engage in important conversations.
Of distinction to the Generations Over Lunch event is that AmeriCorps volunteers of all ages are being given the opportunity to participate and experience the wisdom well and alchemy that is created when intergenerational groups break bread together, rather than being asked to staff or support an event for older adults. Part of breaking the age stigma lies in breaking the traditional barriers for in-kind labor.
Table leaders will have a set of questions to open the dialogue and motivate inquisitiveness and conversations between the various generations.
“As program director and gerontologist, I am personally thrilled to see Juniper Communities jumping on board to implement the program at a moment’s notice. Their willingness to collaborate and create intergenerational community experiences speaks to their innovative brilliance and agility,” said Kate Abate, MSG, program director. “Juniper has always stood out as a phenomenal place for older adults to live, but their social engagement and wellness culture really champion Juniper as the space where connection thrives.”
The initial launch of Generations Over Lunch is taking place in 12 Juniper Village communities. Visit junipercommunities.com and generationsoverdinner.com for more information.
