HOWELL – A group of senior citizens waited patiently for youngsters in the Ardena School to arrive in the cafeteria for their monthly game day. Minutes after the clock struck 2:14 p.m. to end the school day the silence in the cafeteria ceased and students’ voices filled the room.
About 80 fourth- and fifth-graders joined the seniors for an afternoon spent playing Life, Junior Trivial Pursuit, Up Words, Monopoly and many more.
Teacher Suzanne Gabriel, who coordinates the event, said, “In the last 10 years we have had over 1,000 students and probably 500 or more seniors take part in the program. We do game day once a month and follow it with different activities throughout the month. The seniors teach the kids knitting and crocheting, we write letters to the soldiers and homebound residents. We also have craft making.”
The purpose of these activities is to “combat age discrimination and to work together to bridge the gap between the two generations,” Gabriel said.
According to Gabriel, on the surface the program may look like it is just about fun, however, in addition to the fun, “it produces an understanding and respect, mutual respect, where the seniors can see the children in a positive light and the children can see that the seniors are not old. And that they have so much to offer and share.”
Cecilia Whitehouse, 86, said the children and the seniors both benefit.
“This program is very important. Children do not know there is anything in the past and a lot of them do not have grandparents who live close by. They do not really get to interact with older people very often. This is also good for the people who have not been around kids for a while. It reminds them what it is like to be like them,” Whitehouse said. “I enjoy it. I love being with them. I go out feeling younger every time.”
Charlotte Smolen, 68, was taking part for the first time. She said the activity helps to break the stigma that younger people may have of older folks.
“I think this is a great thing that the older people and the younger people can do together. It helps the younger people learn that we are not bad people,” Smolen said. “I would definitely do it again because I love children.”
Helen Sagos, 83, said she has been participating in game day for a number of years.
“I am enjoying the children. I do not have young children anymore,” so these children are a delight. “They are lively and fun, and I think the interaction works well,” she said.
John Milne, 11, said, “It is really fun interacting with the elderly. Some people think they are grumpy, but they are really not. They are really nice and kind. And they teach you all kinds of lessons.”
Fifth-graders Chloe Mulhearne and Shannon Tice said they were having a lot of fun interacting with and learning from the seniors.