What could a bunch of high school students and a group of older adults possibly have in common? Quite a bit, it turns out.
Every summer, teens and older adults find common ground, have fun, and build meaningful relationships as part of DOROT’s intergenerational summer workshops on the Upper West Side.
The agency is now welcoming new adults 65+ who’d like to participate in one of several intergenerational workshops beginning the week of June 24.
The workshops, led by skilled teaching artists and facilitators, are attended by older adult volunteers and teen interns taking part in DOROT’s Summer Teen Internship Program. Each workshop requires a commitment of one to two hours a week for four weeks. There are myriad topics and activities to choose from—current events discussions, singing circles, theatre games, sharing stories, and various explorations of Jewish texts and wisdom. All are welcome!
At DOROT, older adults and teens come together as equals—all are volunteers there to build connections and learn together. Most older adults find surprising points of commonality with their teen partners and note the strong sense of community they develop with all participants.
“It’s not, ‘she’s a kid, I’m a senior,’” said one older adult participant. “A lot of their thoughts and concerns are the same as mine.”
“We can talk about anything,” said another. “I’ve found friends of all ages.”
In addition to group workshops, the summer will include programs like Tech Coaching, where an older adult can sit with a teen who’ll help them use their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In another program, “legacy projects,” an older adult meets regularly with a teen who chronicles their life and legacy. Some seniors simply opt to welcome teens into their home for regular social visits.
This summer for the first time, DOROT is teaming up with Hadar Institute, the innovative center for Jewish studies, to offer several Jewish-learning opportunities at Hadar’s 93rd Street facility.
Though known widely for its programs and services for older adults, DOROT is also committed to fostering intergenerational relationships—which research shows enriches the lives of all involved.
“When my grandsons became teenagers, I couldn’t talk with them,” said an older adult after the summer program. “But topics came up in these workshops that I’ve been able to bring back to my grandsons and talk about.”
Interested in DOROT’s Summer Intergenerational Workshops? Register today at Dorotusa.org/65 or call 917-441-5052.
