Boston and Intergenerational Practices
Boston Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is a distinguished non-profit volunteer-based organisation that forms part of a national network committed to alleviating isolation and loneliness among the elderly. Since its inception in 1979, LBFE Boston has been dedicated to improving the lives of older adults who often face challenges such as limited access to transportation, language barriers, and a lack of nearby family or friends. Their primary focus is on older adults living independently at or below the poverty line, and their programs are open to all without regard to race, gender, creed, nationality, or sexual orientation.
The vision of LBFE Boston revolves around creating inclusive, intergenerational communities where the young and old come together in the spirit of friendship. They achieve this by collaborating with public and affordable senior housing buildings, local seniors’ centres, as well as Boston's colleges and universities. Through these partnerships, LBFE connects young and older participants to foster mutual understanding, learning, and joy in their life.
LBFE Boston's core programs, CitySites, Digital Dividends, and Creative Connections, serve as the pillars of their impactful initiatives. CitySites enables weekly intergenerational activities in senior housing and centres, where participants engage in various activities, such as games, arts and crafts, and storytelling, all conducted in their preferred language.
Digital Dividends was born in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to bridge the digital divide for isolated, low-income older adults. This program provides laptops, internet connectivity, and weekly training in essential tech skills, empowering participants to stay connected with their loved ones and the wider community.
In line with the belief that the arts have the power to enrich lives, Creative Connections brings professional arts instruction to older adults in public and affordable housing, removing barriers to access and providing culturally relevant content.
LBFE Boston also facilitates Community Connections, facilitating short-term intergenerational engagement opportunities like art courses and partnerships with schools and assisted living facilities. Additionally, they host luncheons, a summer picnic, Thanksgiving Day luncheon, and Winter Holiday celebrations, providing cherished moments of connection and camaraderie for older adults and volunteers alike.
LBFE's history traces back to its founder, Armand Marquiset, who envisioned "spreading across the earth igniting little fires of love" to relieve isolation and loneliness. He began this noble mission in Paris, visiting elderly individuals in need, sharing meals, bringing flowers, and offering companionship. Over time, this spark of love grew, leading to the establishment of LBFE chapters across Europe and North America.
The organisation's efforts align with the sobering findings of the US Surgeon General's advice on loneliness, which emphasizes the critical importance of social connection for individual and societal well-being. Loneliness and isolation can and does have severe consequences on physical and mental health, comparable to the effects of smoking. As such, LBFE's work in fostering meaningful relationships and combating loneliness holds immense value for older adults and the wider community.
Through LBFE's intergenerational programs, they not only improve the lives of the elderly but also build friendships and understanding between generations, ultimately creating a more compassionate and connected society for all.
I was extremely lucky to catch up with several LBFE colleagues who were warm and generous with their time and information.
Very clearly Australia’s Federal Government policy is focussed on keeping older people at home longer. Residential Care is becoming a service provided later in life and for those more unwell or with complex conditions. We know, on average, people spend less than two years in residential care homes prior to passing away.
Isolation and loneliness are major risks and issues for our older Australians living at home. We must ask ourselves, how do we, as a sector develop innovative and thoughtful programs to connect older people to their communities, older people to each other and older people to younger Australians to stave off these risks and keep our older Australians safe and well at home.
LBFE are doing just that, through their programs not only in Boston, but in other chapters, they are spreading love (as their founder stated).
The outcomes are not only generous for the older people but for the students as well. Often students are far from home, and lonely.
Whilst we have some programs in Australia, we also have the capacity to expand these programs in line with the changes to Government policy.
As an example of positive intergenerational practices, Warrigal has developed a beautiful program, where students, mainly between the ages of 16-18 are employed to work in our Residential Care Homes. These Assistance Care Employee roles (ACEs) have become critical in providing social, emotional and din
ing support for our residents. Our ACEs are consistent, connected and engaged and it provides them with an opportunity to explore Aged Care as a career and a profession.
LBFE’s focus is on reducing isolation and loneliness through community based supports via intergenerational engagement, mainly with students. These students connect and provide skills to the older people.
The digital dividends program provides digital equity for older people to ensure they have fair and equal access to and use of digital technologies and online resources. As society becomes increasingly reliant on digital platforms for communication, information, and services, it is essential to bridge the digital divide and ensure that older individuals are not left behind. Closing the gap on the following areas of digital is a focus of the digital dividends program.
1. Access to Technology: Digital equity starts with providing older adults with access to the necessary digital devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. This may involve initiatives to provide affordable or subsidised devices to those with limited financial resources.
2. Internet Connectivity: Alongside access to devices, internet connectivity is crucial for older people to benefit fully from digital technologies. Efforts should be made to expand broadband availability and affordability, especially in rural areas and low-income communities where access might be limited. LBFE have provided internet access to their participants.
3. Digital Literacy: Digital equity also involves promoting digital literacy among older adults. Many older individuals may be less familiar with technology, and offering training programs that teach them how to use digital tools, navigate the internet, and stay safe online can empower them to engage confidently in the digital world.
4. Tailored Content and Interfaces: Websites, applications, and online services should be designed with the needs of older users in mind. This includes using larger fonts, clear language, and intuitive interfaces to accommodate varying levels of digital literacy and potential physical limitations that older adults may face.
5. Accessible Technologies: Ensuring that digital technologies are accessible to older individuals with disabilities is crucial. This involves making devices and software compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers or voice commands, to facilitate ease of use.
6. Supportive Community Programs: Community-based initiatives and organizations, like Boston Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, can play a significant role in promoting digital equity for older people. These programs can offer training sessions, workshops, and ongoing support to help seniors adopt and embrace digital technologies.
7. Addressing Social Isolation: Digital technologies can be powerful tools in combating social isolation among older adults. Equitable access to digital platforms can enable them to connect with loved ones, participate in virtual social activities, and access online support networks.
8. User-Centered Design: When developing digital products and services targeted at older users, involving older adults in the design process can lead to more effective and user-friendly solutions.
9. Policy Advocacy: Governments and policymakers play a critical role in promoting digital equity. They can support initiatives that address the digital divide, fund digital literacy programs, and implement policies to ensure fair and affordable access to technology and the internet for older individuals.
In Australia, as the student population experiences a notable increase, a multifaceted and mutually beneficial approach to mitigating isolation among students and older individuals holds significant promise. Specifically, programs designed for international students offer opportunities for language enhancement and foster cross-cultural connections through immersive dialogues. These initiatives, inspired by successful programs in Boston through LBFE, London through Generations Working Together and Netherton, England at L30, focus on building connections within local communities and establishing pathways for meaningful relationships at a local level.
Evaluating the effectiveness of such programs includes measuring social capital outcomes by asking participants questions such as their willingness to seek help from neighbors or offer assistance in return. Feedback from participants indicates that friendships are formed, and genuine connections are fostered, as evidenced by consistent attendance and enthusiastic engagement.
Amidst studies suggesting that Generation Z faces heightened loneliness, it's becomes apparent that addressing social isolation has relevance for this demographic as well. The significance of positive outcomes for all age groups reinforces the value of these initiatives.
During a visit to the Patricia White Apartments in Boston, which is an affordable independent living unit complex for older individuals, I had the privilege of witnessing and engaging in discussions about the Digital Dividends program. Both older residents and students were deeply engrossed in conversations about computers, tablets, the internet, and associated programs. Additionally, these interactions transcended into profound and personal discussions on support, care, and meaningful connections.
The program's potential to foster community engagement and establish stronger ties with neighbours makes it an inspiring model for adaptation and implementation in Australia's Home Services, offering an effective means to combat loneliness and connect people with their local communities and fellow residents.
In conclusion, the power of intergenerational connections in breaking the chains of isolation is undeniable. As Australia's student population experiences a resurgence, embracing a multi-pronged approach that fosters meaningful relationships between students and older individuals can bring about transformative benefits for both groups. Through programs that promote language improvement and cross-cultural exchanges, students can immerse themselves in a world of diverse perspectives while helping combat the loneliness that can plague our older generation.
Inspired by successful initiatives in Boston, London and Netherton, we know participants can form genuine friendships. The impact extends beyond language and technology discussions; these interactions transcend into heartwarming conversations about support, care, and a sense of belonging. As research points to Gen Z as the loneliest generation, the value of such programs becomes even more pronounced in addressing the challenges faced by the younger population.
During my visit to the Patricia White Apartments in Boston, I observed firsthand how the Digital Dividends program brought students and older residents together, igniting a powerful connection based on shared interests and the warmth of human compassion. The potential for such programs to be integrated with Home Services in Australia, nurturing a culture of community and connectedness, is immense.
By embracing these intergenerational bonds and unleashing the power of genuine connections, we have the opportunity to empower both students and seniors alike. I’m curious to explore opportunities to break down barriers, enrich lives, and continue to build upon a more inclusive and compassionate society where no one is left isolated, but instead, we all thrive through the strength of our bonds.
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