Intergenerational Design Challenges: Participants’ Perspectives on Moving from Ideas to Implementation

Authors

  • Tina M.K. Newsham University of North Carolina Wilmington https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2567-3837
  • Matthew J. Peterson University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • Alicia M. Sellon University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • Logan Elkins University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • Abrielle LeBlanc New Hanover County Adult Protective Services
  • Tess Ryan University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • Andrew Zeldin New Hanover County Senior Resource Center

Keywords:

community-engaged research, partners’ perspectives, community impact

Abstract

Many social innovation efforts are aimed at meeting social challenges presented by the aging of the population, yet older adults are often excluded from such efforts. The purpose of this case study was to examine an approach used in a midsized university in southeast North Carolina to create intergenerational opportunities for students, local community organizations, and older adult residents of the surrounding area to collaboratively develop suggestions for addressing challenges facing the older adult population.

Author Biographies

Tina M.K. Newsham, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Tina coordinates the gerontology program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.  She has been involved in community engagement projects for over 17 years and is passionate about eliminating ageism and its negative sequelae. University of North Carolina Wilmington, McNeill Hall 2032, Wilmington, NC  28403, 910-962-0581, newshamt@uncw.edu

Matthew J. Peterson, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Matt is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing Clinical Research Program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. His research interests include aging and functional decline and engaging and mentoring students in aging-focused research. University of North Carolina Wilmington, Veterans Hall 2029E, Wilmington, NC 28403, 910-962-0516, petersonmj@uncw.edu

Alicia M. Sellon, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Alicia is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is a certified District C coach and her research interests include increasing opportunities for older adults to be engaged in social innovation and volunteer activities. University of North Carolina Wilmington, Veterans Hall 2006A, Wilmington, NC 28403, 910-962-7934, sellonm@uncw.edu.

Logan Elkins, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Logan earned her Master of Science in Applied Gerontology in May of 2024. She worked as a research assistant while completing her master’s degree and contributed to the project described in this manuscript. University of North Carolina Wilmington, McNeill Hall 2032, Wilmington, NC  28403, 910-962-0581, loganelizabeth789@gmail.com.

Abrielle LeBlanc, New Hanover County Adult Protective Services

Abrielle is completing her Master of Social Work at UNCW.  At the time of the project described in this manuscript, she worked for the Cape Fear Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging as an Aging Compliance Specialist.  She recently took on a new role in New Hanover County Adult Protective Services. University of North Carolina Wilmington, McNeill Hall 2032, Wilmington, NC  28403, 910-962-0581, abl7596@uncw.edu.

Tess Ryan, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Tess earned her Master of Science in Applied Gerontology in May of 2024. She worked as a research assistant while completing her master’s degree and contributed to the project described in this manuscript. University of North Carolina Wilmington, McNeill Hall 2032, Wilmington, NC  28403, 910-962-0581, tessannryan@gmail.com.

Andrew Zeldin, New Hanover County Senior Resource Center

Andrew Zeldin, M.S. Andrew is an alum of the Master of Science in Applied Gerontology.  He serves as the social work supervisor for the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center. 2222 South College Road, Wilmington, NC  28403, (910) 798-6445, azeldin@nhcgov.com; https://www.nhcgov.com/directory.aspx?eid=299

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Published

04/30/2025

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Insights, Case Studies, and Applications

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