In partnership with service-learning and community engagement programs at several Boston colleges and universities, we offer weekly intergenerational activities in public/affordable senior housing and senior centers. Participants decide what they would like to learn and do TOGETHER. On any given day, you will see older and younger adults playing games or cards, singing, dancing, doing arts and crafts, learning a new skill, or simply talking, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company in their preferred language.

Intergenerational CitySites

Digital Dividends
Classes of 10-15 adults in public/affordable senior housing are given laptops and internet connectivity free of charge along with weekly training provided by LBFE staff and college students from our partner organizations. Digital Dividends was born from the COVID19 pandemic and aims to close the digital divide for isolated, low-income older adults. Participants learn basic to advanced tech skills based on their current knowledge, including Zoom, Google, Spotify, Gmail, and more. LBFE Boston partners with Senior Planet from AARP for curricula in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

Creative Connections
Many older adults living in public/affordable housing face barriers (logistical, economic, and linguistic/cultural) to accessing arts training. Through Creative Connections, LBFE-Boston seeks to overcome these barriers by bringing professional arts instruction to residents where they live, free of charge; providing materials and supplies; and offering linguistically and culturally informed content.

Community Connections
We support one-time and short-term opportunities for intergenerational engagement. Previous examples include multi-week art courses, ice cream socials, and ongoing partnerships with schools and nearby assisted living facilities.

Luncheons
Each summer LBFE hosts a picnic at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline for older adults and volunteers to spend time in good company. Additionally, LBFE hosts a Thanksgiving Day luncheon for older adults and volunteers and Winter Holiday celebrations at our program sites in December.