Behavioral Study of Youth and Elders in an Intergenerational Horticultural Program

Specified, discrete behaviors (verbal and nonverbal, academic and social) of youth and elders in an intergenerational horticultural program were observed and recorded for a 12-week period. The behaviors were modified from a set of behaviors designated for standardized observations in the "Generations Together" program developed and managed by Dr. Sally Newman of the University of Pittsburgh. The youth, ages nine to 11 years, come from public and parochial schools for an after school program. The elders are volunteers from a neighborhood center congregate program. Pairings were made at the beginning of the study period and were maintained through the study. The horticultural and horticultural craft curriculum was designed by the registered horticultural therapists on staff at the Cleveland Botanical Garden with Nancy Stevenson, HTR. Observations were conducted by Jack Kerrigan, Extension Agent, Horticulture, Ohio State University Extension, Cuyahoga County and Nancy C. Stevenson, HTR. Behavioral observation data were compiled and analyzed by the "Generations Together" program.