Easter Seals connects Wisdom of Age,Enthusiasm of Youth…Celebrate National Intergeneration Day Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004

CHICAGO, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day presents an opportunity to connect with individuals of a different generation but, for most, work and family  demands, daily routines, and hectic schedules cause such occasions to fall by the wayside.

Intergeneration Day is one way the Intergeneration Foundation and Easter Seals are helping families and organizations make time for these important connections.

Increasingly, caregiving experts are recognizing the benefits to building intergenerational relationships between children and older adults and seniors.
 Age-integration fosters an appreciation for cultural heritage, traditions, histories and values, and heightens community awareness and understanding of issues that affect each generation.

"Community-based programs joining children and seniors  through various activities -- arts and crafts, book readings, movie nights, service projects -- are gaining in popularity," said Jed Johnson, Easter Seals assistant vice president, Adult and Senior Services.

"Seniors share their experiences and knowledge with children, children pass along their enthusiasm and energy to seniors. The participants in our
 programs become great friends."

A Day to Unite Generations

First celebrated in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a proclamation by Governor Owens in the fall of 2000, Intergeneration Day is now observed across 30 states and internationally. The national campaign focuses on intergeneration experiences and issues, brings attention to age-integration success stories, educates families and organizations about the overall benefits of connecting generations, and encourages development of new programs and relationships.

This year Easter Seals, the nation's leading non-profit provider of services for children and adults with disabilities, has partnered with the Intergeneration Foundation to nationally
 co-sponsor Intergeneration Day and work alongside other local organizations to coordinate the day's community events and activities.

"Intergeneration Day provides a perfect opportunity for children to learn about charity, acceptance, compassion, and perseverance," added Johnson. "Older family members
and seniors in the community can be some of the best teachers."

-- Get involved in intergenerational programs
 through volunteerism and philanthropy 
-- research offerings in your area,
 visit a senior center,participate in a
 fundraising activity, or reach out to a neighbor.

-- Connect with family members of a different
 generation  -- spend some time together, send 
a letter or  email, and  pick up the phone.

-- Learn more about your family tree -- conduct 
online research, ask older members about your 
family history, look through or organize family 
photos, and begin to map out  your family's 
genealogy on paper.

-- Host a family gathering or celebration.

-- Review financial and estate planning, 
considering intergenerational transfers.

About Intergeneration Foundation

ntergeneration Foundation connects generations through communication, celebration and education. It welcomes
all who believe that individual family and community success will increase by reaching out to other generations. Intergeneration Foundation assists with intergenerational events by providing free brochures, banners, and other promotional materials for Intergeneration Day events. Please visit http://www.intergenerationday.org/ .

About Easter Seals