August 5, 2022
At The KentRidge Senior Living, we are always excited to celebrate the Back-to-School season! Partnering with local schools is typically a year-long effort, but there is a special focus on the time when most students are heading back to the classroom- whether in person or virtually. We have partnered with Holden Elementary. Our residents find it easy to relate to school outreach efforts as many of them can recall a time when they returned to school as well.
Fostering these relationships helps build a sense of community among students, teachers, residents, and staff. There are plenty of advantages to intergenerational activities- such as decreasing the social and economic isolation so many seniors feel. Research has shown that seniors’ health, memory, and balance can benefit from volunteering regularly with children. Not only do these relationships benefit the older generations, but also the younger ones as well. Studies have also shown that children who interact with elders are less likely than others to start illegal drug use, will more likely have improved communication with their parents, and are less likely to experience depression. Lastly, these experiences can create timeless memories for both the seniors and children involved, such as making a new friend, trying a new game or activity, or listening to stories of each other’s life.
Last year we began a partnership with Holden Elementary here in Kent, Ohio. Holden is right around the corner and is a much older school, with need for support. We plan on having a school supply drive where visitors and families can drop off items we can then take to the school. The school was very appreciative of the Black History books we donated last year. We would also like to take an outing with one of our residents reading a book to students in the classroom.
We plan on having a box in our Kentridge vestibule for individuals to drop off supplies for Holden Elementary. Teachers are on such a limited budget, so any help they receive from us benefits the student. We are also having visitors and families drop off their donated items here at the community.
We would love to have the opportunity to take the residents to a sporting event, school play, or musical to expand our intergenerational interaction.
The KentRidge Senior Living will continue to show their support in a lot of different ways this Back-to-School season and throughout the school year.
The KentRidge Senior Living in Kent, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near University Hospital Portage Medical Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Sunny Hill Golf & Recreation Inc, Stow-Kent Shopping Center, Kent State Univeristy Museum, The Portage Hike & Bike Trail, and Mad Cap Brewing Company.
