Activity Buddies

An intergenerational pilot project 2006, to enable staff and students to collaborate across different faculties to develop projects with older people which promoted quality of life, to encourage inter-disciplinary and cross-sector learning to share skills, expertise and knowledge (Moore et al 2007).

Funded £20,000 by Brighton and Sussex Community Knowledge Exchange (BSCKE). University students volunteered to work on projects together with older people. Benefits included personal and professional learning from each other, students’ greater understanding of the ageing experience, and the positive emotional effects of volunteering. Three programmes were carried out: Fitness for health (involving physiotherapy students); A secret history of holidays (involving service sector management students) and Dispensing with the mystery (Pharmacy students)

Project aims

Many older people experience a decline in their level of engagement with activities in post retirement years which can lead to a decline in self-esteem, confidence and belief in their own abilities and skills. The Activity Buddies project aimed to promote older people to challenge these concerns alongside students, staff and local voluntary organisations.

Project impact

The project provided an opportunity that enabled older people, students and staff to benefit from each other’s expertise and knowledge.

Improved self-esteem and confidence in carrying out different activities as well as highlighting best practices and positive approaches to staying active in post retirement years. 

The project challenged age-related stereotypes at both end of the age spectrum. Students had an increased awareness of age-related issues, which gave them understanding and better-prepared students for their chosen professional careers.

Research team

Professor Ann Moore

Ms Lisa Hodgson

Dr Raija Kusima

Mr Mike Ellis-Martin

Professor Peter Burns

Output

The success of this project lead to a South East Coastal Communities Bid a grant being awarded by HEFCE Activity Buddies: promoting quality of life for older people together to build upon the existing themes and to expand research activity to include other meaningful intergenerational programmes that actively engaged with the local older people’s community to enhance health and wellbeing.

Partners

Local older people’s community

Brighton and Sussex Community Knowledge Exchange (BSCKE)

Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP)