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Jun 9, 2006 6:30 pm US/Eastern
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Program Helps Seniors, Children Learn And Grow
by Kellye Lynn
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Although they are generations apart, 76-year-old James McDonald and six-year-old Amaya English have a special bond.
The two are linked through the Experience Corps, a nationwide program inspired by research here in Baltimore that helps senior citizens sharpen their skills by devoting time to children at local elementary schools.
"When you see young people who are happy to see you, it makes you feel great," McDonald tells
WJZ's Kellye Lynn speaking next to his pupil at Medfield Heights Elementary School.
Susan Brooks who helps run the program explained how it worked. "We recruit older adults, train them, go into Baltimore City schools in grades K [kindergarten] through 3 [3rd grade], assist teachers, work with children and help change the atmosphere of the school".
Aging experts have been looking into ways to keep senior citizens occupied. When you consider that modern healthcare is extending life spans by decades, the traditional "rocking chair in the living room" model gets thrown out the window.
Johns Hopkins researchers recently published two studies that showed that not only do seniors want to volunteer, but that intense volunteer programs actually improve their physical health, burning calories and increasing mobility. "It certainly adds to exercise. It's also exercise for the brain and a kind of exercise of the heart and spirit.," says Brooks.
Dr. Linda Fried, the division head for Johns Hopkins geriatrics says this type of program could not be more timely, "We need to start figuring out how to harness the benefits of aging society".
Medfield Elementary School Principal Debbie Turner, ""We've seen an increase in reading scores because of the one-on-one".
Right now, Experience Corp is based in 14 major U.S cities.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)