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DECEMBER 1, 2008 / Legacy Project / –
The Legacy Project is being featured by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs for Intergenerational Week, December 1-7. They encourage Floridians to learn more about opportunities linking seniors and youth, and the Legacy Project's programs at www.legacyproject.org.
Intergenerational Week highlights the importance of developing and maintaining healthy relationships across generations. It promotes the principle that intergenerational activities let all ages connect with one another to develop a greater understanding of life experiences and a deeper respect for other generations. For Florida's large population of elders, the intergenerational transfer of values can be just as important as leaving their children and grandchildren an inheritance.
"Intergenerational programs and activities build a greater understanding between young people and older adults, promoting an appreciation for the things people of different ages can share with one another," said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary E. Douglas Beach. "Florida seniors remain a vibrant part of their communities and are a potent economic force, and their life lessons can play an important role in shaping the future of younger generations."
As part of Intergenerational Week, the Department is featuring the Legacy Project, a nationwide initiative that connects the past, present and future in meaningful ways for all ages. Each year the Legacy Project offers the Listen to a Life Essay Contest to explore and celebrate the personal histories, heritages, traditions, memories, values and life lessons passed from generation to generation, and to encourage closer relationships among generations. Young people 8-18 years interview an adult 50 years or older about their life experiences, and submit a
300-word essay to win a Grand Prize that includes a Lenovo ThinkCenter computer and $25,000 of Orchard educational software. The Legacy Project also offers a number of free online Across Generations activities, along with books like the award-winning A Little Something about love and legacies across generations.
The Department of Elder Affairs serves as a resource for communities throughout Florida, working to create local programs and services that cross generational boundaries. For more information, visit http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us. For more information on the Legacy Project, visit www.legacyproject.org.
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