The importance of intergenerational contact as it applies to the millennial and current geriatric population is discussed by including both recent research on the topic and personal experience. Intergenerational living, especially artist-in-residency programs in retirement communities, have become increasingly popular in the past few years across the globe, as it has many benefits for both populations. Some benefits for the geriatric population include: decreased feelings of social isolation, engagement in artistic programs, and increased development of meaningful connections with peers and non-peers. Benefits for the artist-in-residence can include professional development, housing, and increased connection with a different generation. Both parties benefit from broadening perspectives, challenging schemas, and developing a greater idea of what "community" can mean through social and artistic interaction. After graduating Valparaiso University in 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology, Kristine Tarmann moved to Milwaukee, WI to study Art Therapy at Mount Mary University, where she is currently in her second year. She has held art therapy internships at Milwaukee Catholic Home, Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital, and internationally in El Caimito, Nicaragua. Kristine currently works at the University as a Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership and is the Artist-in-Residence at Milwaukee Catholic Home, a retirement community and health care center for the elderly. Kristine believes in the power of the arts in community and utilizes this to facilitate both peer-to-peer and intergenerational relationship building. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
