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About Us
Introduction
LINKages develops, coordinates and supervises activities that create opportunity for interaction between youth and seniors in a safe, structured, caring and learning environment. We have established proven methods for developing mutually-beneficial relationships between seniors and young people, a factor vital in the development of successful intergenerational programs and services.
The LINKages videos provide an informative and thorough look at what LINKages has to offer and how it has changed the lives of many youth and seniors alike.
 A senior high student visits her friend |
Our Mission
To foster friendships between youth and seniors to enhance their personal strengths and quality of life by providing intergenerational programs and services.
Our Vision
To be a leader in the development, operation, promotion and expansion of Intergenerational Programs and Practice (IGP).
Goals
- LINKages aims to connect young people and seniors in ways that are mutually beneficial – these generations learn from each other.
- Our programs are structured to overcome stereotypes and encourage personal development – we provide ongoing support to participants.
- Connecting generations enhances self-worth and creates interest in community involvement – we encourage the merits of volunteering.
Belief
Our belief is that Albertans – of all ages - need to be valued, respected and appreciated for their experiences and potential; and we invite citizen engagement and positive contributions that enhance our communities.
Achievements
LINKages is a community based registered charity that was originally founded as the Friends of Seniors in 1994. This program has been recognized for the successful implementation of programs that:
- build bridges between the generations;
- decrease negative attitudes and myths;
- promote a greater understanding and respect for generations;
- and instill benefits of citizen engagement.
Social Need
Around the world the aging population is growing faster than all other age groups. Societal changes over the last few decades, such as increasing geographic mobility within families, the rise of segregated housing and communities and a decrease in the number of older people living with younger family members has resulted in less interaction between young and old. This generational segregation has resulted in a decrease in positive exchanges between generations and an increase in negative attitudes and myths about each other.
Our Programs and Services
LINKages partners hundreds of Junior and Senior High students with local seniors lodges and care centres and helps them develop friendships in a year long process. LINKages also has a number of new community initiatives that recruit youth throughout the city of Calgary and partner them with isolated or lonely seniors living independently.
LINKages' programs and services include:
- Junior and Senior High programs
- YACS (Young Adults Connecting with Seniors)
- Community Training
- Rural Initiatives
 Students at a training session learn about seniors |