In an elementary school history class studying the Civil War, guest speaker Harriet Krumpleman arrives in full period costume, excited to talk with students about her family's history during the historical period.
Another group of young learners gets a hands-on lesson in recycling from retiree David Lowry, whose passion for going green energizes the room.
A pilot program of the Episcopal Retirement Homes, the Council for Life Long Engagement aims to eliminate the negative impact of ageism by creating opportunities for residents of their facilities to share their expertise and interests with students at Nativity Elementary School in Pleasant Ridge.
"Children will learn first-hand from elders who have lived rich and rewarding lives," says Laura Lamb, vice president of residential housing and healthcare, and a Nativity parent. "They will make history, science and even math come alive through their experience and wisdom."
Lamb hopes to create a model program that can be replicated in other communities around the city and around the country in an effort to enrich lives, not only of students, but of older residents. Her ultimate goal: eradicate ageism, which studies have shown can result in shortened not only quality of life, but life itself. Since class visits started last fall, residents have enjoyed the interactions.
Corning Benton, a resident at Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Facility in Hyde Park, spoke with a class about one of his passions, space travel. "It has been a joy to have a renewed sense of energy," he says.
Do Good:
• Visit with Patch Adams. Support CLLE by attending a March 5 benefit dinner with the renowned doctor who inspired the movie.
• Call bingo! Volunteer to call a game at St. Paul Village, Canterbury Court or Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community.
• E-communicate. Sign up for e-newsletters to find out more about Episcopal Retirement Homes activities and programs.
For Good News Editor: Elissa Yancey (Sonnenberg)
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.