What are examples of ways you have involved older adults, individually and as a group, in short-term and/or long-term projects that foster sustainable behaviors? By projects, I mean work such as researching, planning and carrying out a city-wide recycling campaign; gaining the knowledge to conduct energy audits of city institutions; monitoring the local river for pollutants; or studying the local residential impact on global warming. It's not the specific topic I'm asking about, but rather what your program and process looked like to successfully involve older adults to foster sustainable behaviors, their own and others. I am asking because I am researching ways science centers and museums in the US can better harness the experience, knowledge, and commitment of older adults to benefit their community--if given the opportunity.
Thank you.
Sally Middlebrooks
Hyattsville, MD
Engaging Older Adults
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FYI, the WorldWatch Institute recently published materials on this subject; see "New Resource Helps Elderly Play Key Role in Creating "A Viable Future" at http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4927
Kevin Devitt,
Toronto, Canada
...
Hi Sally
In Dunedin, New Zealand there is a program to create Edible (Organic) Gardens in Primary Schools (5-10 years) and invite and encourage parents and community members (grandparents etc) to come and help teach the kids/tend the garden together. Gardening knowledge is largely held with older generations. This model could also be used for community edible gardens. There is an enviroschools nationwide program that also involves older community members. (http://www.enviroschools.org.nz/).
Regards
Mark Jackson
Dunedin, New Zealand