Emphasizing life-long learning as a key ingredient to wellness volunteer opportunities for seniors
Emphasizing life-long learning as a key ingredient to wellness volunteer opportunities for seniors
Below is a glimpse into some of the current resources we look to as we build our programs. The links are free to use for your own research. We hope you find them useful.
STEAMwSeniors builds upon these resources to create intergenerational STEAM learning experiences, all the while focusing on empowering senior citizens and providing them with rich learning experiences. These sample resources aim to do the following:
Science Topics of Exploration. These science programs are based upon Gloria Hoffner's book called Science for Seniors: Hands-On Learning Activities - an evidence-based program based on geriatric research that learning strengthens brains at every age.
The author states, that through Science for Seniors, participants learn the scientific process by participating in experiments, demonstrations, and fun visual-based facts about their world. Topics may include volcanoes, oceans, global warming, rain forests, space, and more. To see a more complete list click here - Science for Seniors Science Topics.
Often, science topics are designed around the interests of the participants.
All of these programs encourage intergenerational venues for learning.
Hands-on tech can be used to build intergenerational learning.
- Ozobots - Coding robots with color patterns or block
- MakeyMakey - Plug and play design thinking
- Oculus VR Goggles - Immerse yourself in the 3D experience
- Chibitronics - Learning about circuitry
- Cricut Cutting Machines - Design and crafting
- Cubelets - Building robots with cubes
- Prusa 3D Printers - Rated most reliable 3D Printers
- Glowforge -3D laser printer
- Power Anchor - the best hands-on tech for building and testing plane and car design.
*You may want to use grants to secure these items.
Here is a list of virtual field trips, inspired by an educator to provide learning experiences beyond the walls. Put on some VR Googles and go for full immersion!
The Smithsonian Science For Maker Spaces is an engaging and rich resource
STEAM picture books help bridge generations, young and old. We utilize the fun of literacy and imagination of illustrations to introduce topics around STEAM, build conversations, dream deeply, connect to the past, imagine the future, and utilize the design thinking process. Cross-mentoring opportunities abound!
Here is a list of other highly engaging sites to develop DESIGN learning experiences.
Utilize various sites to design "tech sessions" for seniors. This resources is created by Dorot, Generations Helping.
- Tech Made Easy for Seniors
If you wish to build mentorships, look at Todd Brown's Inspire Project. Todd is the recipient of multiple teachers of the year awards, winner of the Ignite Education of the Year Award, the CNN Heroes award, and more. He is doing phenomenal things in education and is also connecting k-12 students to adult mentors from around the world. We look to use his mentorship framework to build ours.
Seniors have a depth of knowledge and real-world experiences that they love sharing with others, especially younger generations. To develop intergenerational learning experiences and programs in your communities, the Young Change Makers series is a source of inspiration for program development. Take a look!
This non-profit seeks to connect Makers across the world. They seek to help organizations involved in developing maker cultures succeed. Find out more about how we are connecting with a broader community of STEAM makers. Nation of Makers
It is paramount to engage seniors in Science discussions with scientists. Here is an interesting model. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLdY7f3P7wc
Get guidance and support from this list of programs and activities for caregivers for those with memory issues. The Programs for the Elderly organization researches and lists worldwide programs that showcase programs, individuals, and organizations that are finding better ways to deal with aging. http://www.programsforelderly.com/. See some of the links below. Some of these links you may be able to get involved with while others may inspire you to create your own cause! Enjoy!
Activities for those with Dementia. https://adventuresofacaregiver.com/75-stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-dementia-patients/
15 stimulating sensory activities for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. https://vytality.ca/2020/08/21/15-sensory-activities-seniors/
Joel Kruisselbrink's mission is to get young and old moving again in a playful way!
Movement is Life. Movement is play. Movement is therapy. This is one of the most inspirational sites on using play as a means to bring life to those with memory issues and/or aging seniors.
See videos of the sessions here on his Instagram site.. https://www.instagram.com/bewegen.is.leven/
Reminiscence therapy, developed in the 1960s, involves discussing past events and experiences to evoke memories, stimulate mental activity, and improve well-being. It is an activity that can benefit anyone, but it becomes more challenging when dementia is present. Connecting with a person with dementia can be frustrating, but once a connection is made, it can be rewarding and meaningful. Reminiscence therapy typically involves group meetings where participants are encouraged to talk about past events at least once a week. Recalling and sharing memories from the past can help retain a sense of self and historical identity, reducing feelings of social exclusion.
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/odlos-blog/kits-for-seniors
When caring for someone with memory or cognitive impairment, incorporating sensory activities can be beneficial in promoting calmness and relaxation.
https://vytality.ca/2020/08/21/15-sensory-activities-seniors/
Made by Eversound, this guide is packed with information.
UltimateActivityPacket-Eversound0123.pdf (hubspotusercontent-na1.net)
Great article for those thinking about collaboration. This model has the potential to benefit both students and retirees while also generating revenue for institutions. However, it is crucial to implement it correctly to maximize its benefits. https://www.highereddive.com/news/how-colleges-can-start-a-senior-living-community-successfully/647068/
Over the past 40 years, there has been a significant global trend toward intergenerational initiatives. Intergenerational programs (IGPs) have emerged as a means to foster cooperation and exchange among different age groups. While numerous studies highlight the benefits for each generation involved, it is important to note that the programs and study designs vary considerably. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6728408/
Here are some examples of successful intergenerational STEAM activities that have been implemented in senior living communities:
Programs for the Elderly is an incredible site listing nonprofits across the globe that are improving lives through intergenerational programs and events. You can bring many of these programs into your senior communities. Explore the site.
http://www.programsforelderly.com/index-contribution.php#intergenerationalprograms,
Click here! https://thekidshouldseethis.com/collections
"TKSST is a Webby award-winning collection of over 5,000 kid-friendly (Adult too!) videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Watch for free." Become a member to support!
Click here! https://airandspace.si.edu/learn/programs/stem-30
STEM in 30 is an Emmy-nominated program produced by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, specifically designed for middle school students - but easily adaptable to senior citizens! These engaging 30-minute episodes are an excellent resource for classroom use. With new episodes released monthly, the program offers hands-on activities, in-depth explanations of aviation and space topics aligned with national standards, and captivating interviews with experts from the Museum and beyond. .
Click here! Cyber-Seniors Corner
This is a YouTube channel devoted to helping seniors with computer/tech-related knowledge. Very high quality.
Click here! Household Hacker
Creative hacks and projects to help you around the home. Recommended for the DIY person in all of us!
Click here! DIY Crafts TV
This is an incredible DIY clothes, sewing, and crafts YouTube Channel.
Click here! Pasta Grannies
Meet the Pasta Grannies! If you love making pasta, check out this YouTube Channel for your next dish to spice up your life and your guests! YouTube.
Click here! Grand Illusions
Tim Rowett is a toy collector with 20,000+. Visit him as he takes you on a tour of how he used these tools to entertain! YouTube.
Click here! Senior Fitness With Meredith - YouTube
At home general fitness for those 55+
Click here! At home yoga with Adriene.
Click here! Walking tours in front of your TV! Just need your shoes and prepare to walk in place! Or...on a treadmill.
Use TED Talks to engage seniors in all kinds of interesting topics!
Here is the article:
https://careisthere.com/ted-talks-for-curious-seniors
Here is a PDF of the author's top 10 talks:
https://careisthere.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/TenTEDTalksforSeniors_download.pdf
Golden Careers. 100s of craft ideas. Some free. Paid subscription. https://www.goldencarers.com/craft/
15 stimulating sensory activities for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. https://vytality.ca/2020/08/21/15-sensory-activities-seniors/
Activities for those with Dementia. https://adventuresofacaregiver.com/75-stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-dementia-patients/
A study on creativity and aging conducted by George Washington University detailed the benefits of crafts for seniors, including how art encourages risk-taking and playfulness, strengthens our sense of identity and improves cognition and memory. Check out this site from Healthy Hobbies.
For those wishing to get into understanding design thinking, this is a great first stop. The d.school at Stanford is a leader in design thinking and leadership.
This is a teacher blog by Christine Dixon, a k-8 teacher in California. She has an incredible following with a plethora of innovative lessons all ready to use. She believes in sharing STEAM learning with the broader community to grow the STEAM culture. These can be adapted to many ages, small and old.
Makezine is a website published by Make Media, which was the catalyst for the maker movement this last decade. They are generally known for their creation of the Maker Faire. Makezine offers a host of do-it-yourself challenges for all ages.
Instructables is a website community for those the like to make things. Thousands of projects for ages 5-99 years of age!
Maker Ed creates free material to bring the maker experience to communities of Makers. Check out their site. Filter by topics, ages, etc. If you like what you see, make a donation to support their programs.
Teach Engineering and Try Engineering are two sites with thousands of engineering projects and lessons for all ages. All projects are free to use and download.
TeachEngineering Website
TryEngineering Website
Launched by science museums wanting to bring science and math learning to out-of-classroom spaces, Smile continues to build lessons around big topics affecting us all.
HowtoSmile Website
The site includes many adaptable education activities connecting theory to practice. As explained on the site, by Todd Stanley, "This page contains lots of resources teachers can use with students in either an in-person or virtual setting. Some of these resources include projects, enrichment activities, cases, and STEM challenges (ALL RESOURCES ON THIS PAGE ARE FREE)." The Gifted Guy.
1. Here is a STEAM webinar about what STEAM should look like in a k-12 ecosystem. This was a presentation given by Craig Gingerich and Michael Lambert for True North School. Spring 2002.
2. Presentation around Cooperative Learning Structures. As we imagine creating intergenerational learning environments at STEAMwSeniors, how might we conduct classes to engage participants? Collaborative classes.
Chain Reactions provide a world of expansive possibilities for creative exploration and invention. Whether you're starting from scratch or with nothing more than some tools on your kitchen table, there's no limit to the ingenuity that can be sparked by this powerful concept.
Of course, it can sometimes feel daunting to get started, so here are a few ideas to help jumpstart your chain reaction creativity:
1. Look at everyday mundane tasks in an entirely new light — what seemingly boring activities could become extraordinary if they were powered by a chain reaction?
2. Think about natural phenomena like gravity or friction and how their effects might be amplified through the strength of chain reactions.
3. Consider ways that energy sources like chemical reactions, electricity, heat, and motion could fuel innovative designs and inventions within a chain reaction framework
Click here to learn about how to build TIPS in your learning community as a way to inspire creativity and STEAM exploration with all ages!
Here are some ideas for integrating STEM content into holidays, seasons, annual events, and special occasions throughout the year. These come from National Informal STEM Network. https://www.nisenet.org/seasons
Here are some of our favorite links pertaining to robotics education.
VEX Go - Primary, Secondary
VEX IQ - Secondary, HS
Ozobot Pacing Guides Primary, Secondary, HS
Sphero - Primary, Secondary, HS
Littlebits - Primary 3-6
Dash and Dot - Primary
Robotics Guide, shared by Brooke, a robotics and STEAM enthusiast!
The first step for a consumer is supporting a circular economy and keeping trash resources out of landfills. At STEAMwSeniors, we encourage supporting the circular economy. What is the circular economy? "A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_economy
Here you will find a list of resources to keep recyclable items out of the landfills, to promote upcycling, and to promote a sustainable future.
Emma, from https://lyndhurststem.org/, contributed the following DIY project. It offers a way to upcycle those old plastic bottles, create a bird feeder, and then enjoy the nature that your DIY project will attract! The site also contains some great resources about birds.
DIY Bird Feeder: https://www.bottlestore.com/make-your-own-plastic-bottle-bird-feeder
Check back soon...
Awareness of how our brain processes information helps us design learning experiences.
Jess Brown from LearnToLearnBootcamp has designed a curriculum that exposes participants to Cognitive Load and Emotional Connections as a means to understand how best to learn. She says:
Jess Brown at https://dschool.stanford.edu/programs/k12-lab-network
Awareness of how our brain processes information helps us design learning experiences.
Jess Brown from LearnToLearnBootcamp has designed a curriculum that exposes participants to Cognitive Load and Emotional Connections as a means to understand how best to learn. She says:
Jess Brown at https://dschool.stanford.edu/programs/k12-lab-network
Keeping the mind active includes all kinds of events, many of these events are STEAM oriented, but many go even beyond that! This article points out many different ideas for building health and wellness in senior living.
While financial health is on the minds of all retirees, there are many other lifestyle considerations. Annuity.org provides some great insight into other considerations.
Keeping the mind active includes all kinds of events, many of these events are STEAM oriented, but many go even beyond that! This article points out many different ideas for building health and wellness in senior living.
VeryWellHealth and How to Run Group Exercises (free resource from GoldenCareers.com) and https://www.goldencarers.com/free-activities/
Science with Seniors (SwS) is a program dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM outreach by focusing on the voting-age population, particularly senior citizens. By bringing science research topics and news to this dedicated demographic, SwS aims to combat misinformation and promote informed voting on science-related issues. https://openjournals.libs.uga.edu/jheoe/article/view/2086
1. Exercise helps keep the brain active and sharp by improving communication between neurons, increasing blood flow to the brain, and stimulating the growth of new cells.
2. Mental health is essential for overall well-being in older age. It includes emotional resilience, a positive attitude toward life events, and stress management skills.
3. Cognitive stimulation activities such as puzzles, reading, or playing games are important to help maintain memory function and prevent cognitive decline with aging.
4. Socializing regularly can help reduce feelings of loneliness while providing mental stimulation that helps keep the mind sharp as we age.
5 . Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise can also improve mental well-being while helping to reduce risks associated with dementia in later life
Here is an article about Brain Games and Alzheimers.
We all believe in a healthy growth mindset for learning. Take a look at this Growth Mindset Poster from Anita at WholeHearted School Counseling. These are the type of learning and interactions we want to foster. Also, check out this free Making activity for WholeHearted School Counseling! Thanks Anita!
The gamification literature review shows the effects of gamification on those >55 years of age. Many positive benefits. https://acris.aalto.fi/ws/portalfiles/portal/69041799/Gamification_for_Older_Adults.pdf
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-58530-7_35
Robots and Tech at STEAMwSeniors
STEAMwSeniors also Focuses on Intergenerational Learning
Activities We Ecnourage (pdf)
DownloadWe talked with Cyber-Seniors. Their Tech help is totally free. They are a trusted non-profit based out of Canada with an outreach in 43 US states + Canada. They have over a $1,000,000 budget with a track record of training many organizations and government entities. Their online platform is designed for safety and security. Try them out: https://cyberseniors.org/free-tech-help/one-on-one-tech-session/
We are working with organizations that can help support you with in-person help - just basic needs. More will will becoming.
This is a brief guide for those working with seniors, who would like to set up tech programs for senior citizen groups. Helpful websites for program development are also contained within this 3-page guide. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ndeDlAWh7wi5b324CVUg5ZoXMr-MY72J/view?usp=sharing
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