A Method for Improving Intergenerational Encounters: The Case of Mama Bettie

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe a method for developing and improving intergenerational interactions or encounters. Older peoples' life experiences do not mirror the life experiences of younger cohorts today. As such, we propose a method for fostering intergenerational interactions and increasing bases for communication through exploring the life experiences of elders within the context of a larger world or national historical timeline. Younger people can benefit from the use of an historical timeline—the events on which can serve as anchor points in understanding and communicating with older adults.