March 31, 2005

Sharing generations

Both benefit when freshman reaches out to 91-year-old

By Doris Massa,
Gerontology Specialist
Special to the Times

Being a former high school teacher and currently a gerontologist, I was delighted when Kevin Clark, a ninth grade student at Valley Christian High School inquired about doing community service with one of our residents at Almaden’s LeMirador Senior Community.

Al Linsley and Kevin Clark bond over chess.

Valley Christian High School freshmen are asked to commit to 25 hours of community service during their academic year according to Cathy Manthey, director of service education.

Ninety-one-year old Al Linsley proved to be a perfect fit for Kevin. This intergenerational duo have exchanged writing interests particularly poetry, science theories and thoughts, travel, and even playing a challenging game of chess. Al claims Kevin “almost” beat him. Kevin might have a different story. Needless to say, it is a fun event for both participants.

Al moved to San Jose from Los Angeles after losing his wife of 48 years in 2000 to be closer to his son and family who live in Almaden Valley. With strong interests in music, Al became quickly involved with his church choir. He writes music and plays the piano. A former electronics engineer with Lockheed Corporation, Al is keenly interested in science inventions as well as computers. Al’s talents in writing poetry and storytelling constantly entertain fellow residents at LeMirador.

Kevin Clark shared stories written for his English class with Al and Al shared stories and poems, which he hopes to publish in a book he is currently writing, with Kevin.

Intergenerational studies are becoming increasingly popular. Many are away from extended families and are, therefore, isolated from people of various ages. The networks of economic, educational, and cultural interdependence previously established by households composed of grandparents, parents, and children are becoming non-existent. Tasks and opportunities that used to draw families together are frequently handed over to paid professionals, institutions, and the government.

Dr. Matthew Kaplan, associate professor of Intergenerational Programs at Penn State, has written about the phenomenon. “Wisdom moments are when someone with considerable life experiences effectively and compassionately shares his/her knowledge and understanding.” By creating opportunities for the old and young to interact, understanding and appreciation for what people of different ages can give each other are built.

With his intergenerational experience Kevin writes:
I feel my time with Al has really enriched my life by getting to know someone who has lived (and still is living) such a rich and full life. His past experiences include so many events that I only read about in textbooks. And now he keeps himself very busy with so many projects: putting together his book of poems, taking classes, singing in his church, and other events. I feel this was a very valuable and rare opportunity that not many kids my age get to experience.

Al indicates Kevin is a “quick learner.”

“He is alert, intelligent, and easy to talk to,” says Al. “He is especially willing to accept new ideas.” Al also complimented Kevin’s family with their support of Kevin’s commitments.

Talking to and instructing a younger person was a great joy to Al. About aging, Al says he is the “oldest man he knows well.” He feels respected by people because of his capabilities and determination. He can talk about things they haven’t experienced.

“I’m not ready to meet my maker yet,” says Al, “I still have a lot of things to do!”

Doris Massa is the service coordinator and gerontologist specialist at Le Mirador.