Girl Scouts sing to residents of nursing homes. These are common images of intergenerational programs.
Seniors provide respite for families with special-needs children.
A retired postal employee aids kids with literacy by setting up a post office in a school, with mailboxes in each classroom. Older adults serve as mentors for adolescents with histories of drug problems, teaching them problem-solving skills. In return, these youths visit nursing home residents. Seniors work with school districts and psychiatrists to aid children who have been traumatized and are a potential danger to themselves or others. San Diego County has begun to see the value of efforts to match kids and seniors, with such programs as Foster Grandparents and various tutoring services.