The power of book discussion groups in intergenerational learning

Learning about human development across the lifespan is basic to health care education. What better way for students to understand these concepts than to be actively engaged in projects with different generations of individuals such as elders? Active learning is an effective strategy to help developing health care professionals. This article highlights a unique intergenerational project of book study groups embedded in a health professions course focused on geriatrics. A study of this intergenerational book group immersion experience examined changes in thinking, values, and beliefs of students and elders. The qualitative and demographic participant data were coded and thematically analyzed. The outcome of the study indicates that the intergenerational group experience resulted in positive mutual benefit among students and elders. Using an intergenerational book discussion group can be a memorable and synergistic opportunity for learning.