From Loving Great Grandparents and Memories, to Working in Daycare, to Studying Architecture Helping Answer a Need for Taking Care of the Elderly and Children and Benefiting Both in the Process... (Video Interview)
Intergenerational Day Centers: A New Wave in Adult and Child Day Care
and Interview with Dr. Neda Norouzi, PhD
Neda Norouzi, PhD, M.Arch, MURP, B.Env.D
School of Architecture + Planning
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX 78703, neda.norouzi@utsa.edu
“Intergenerational Day Centers: A New Wave in Adult and Child Day Care. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 1;20(1):809. Abstract
Kirk’s Comments: I was first intrigued by this article by the possible positive health aspect for both age groups but, especially the elderly interacting together. From reading about Blue Zone cultures to my own experiences with my grand children being around youth and young life can keep you thinking and acting younger and challenging you in life giving ways.
Then after reading about Dr. Norouzi’s background as an architect and education in urban planning I thought do we really want municipalities and local governments to fund and implement such facilities. I have concerns about governmental waste and bureaucracy and the safety concerns of the young children around adults. I ask about them in the interview.
If I was going to have a person try and put together such a facility and program in a private business or municipal setting Dr. Neda Norouzi checks all the “positive” boxes of someone who could do this with multidimensional expertise.
First her love of family and her “great” grandparent stories and love of children let you know right off how she values family. After she immigrated to this country she worked in daycare for years. Then she has all the academic credentials for urban planning and architecture. And because of her passion for the topic she is the perfect person to oversea such an endeavor. A very interesting topic. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Kirk
(Otter.Ai Generated Summary of Interview Transcript)
Intergenerational Day Centers: Introduction and Guest Background
Kirk Hamilton introduces the topic of intergenerational day centers and his guest, Dr. Neda Norouzi, a PhD from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Dr. Norouzi shares her educational background, starting from her birth in Iran, her move to the U.S., and her initial job at a daycare center.
She discusses her transition from child development courses to studying architecture and urban planning, influenced by her interest in solving public problems.
Dr. Norouzi explains her master's thesis on intergenerational programs, inspired by her personal experiences with her great-grandparents.
Personal Experiences and Research Journey
Dr. Norouzi recounts her experiences with her great-grandparents in Iran, which influenced her interest in intergenerational design.
She describes her master's thesis on intergenerational programs and how it led to her job in DC and further research.
Dr. Norouzi shares her journey to obtaining a PhD in architecture, focusing on intergenerational design, and her involvement with Generations United.
She highlights the importance of understanding the client-designer relationship and the impact of her research on designing for intergenerational centers.
Benefits of Intergenerational Programs
Kirk Hamilton and Dr. Norouzi discuss the benefits of intergenerational programs for both the elderly and children.
Dr. Norouzi emphasizes the energy and physical activity that older adults experience when interacting with children.
She notes the cognitive benefits for older adults, such as improved memory and cognitive functions.
For children, Dr. Norouzi highlights the love and unconditional support they receive from older adults, as well as the academic and social-emotional skills they develop.
Designing Intergenerational Centers
Dr. Norouzi explains the importance of designing intergenerational centers that facilitate organic interactions between children and older adults.
She discusses the challenges of integrating intergenerational activities into existing facilities and the need for dedicated spaces.
Dr. Norouzi shares examples of successful intergenerational centers and the types of activities that are conducted.
She emphasizes the need for flexible designs that allow for different levels of interaction and the importance of supervision to ensure safety.
Challenges and Future of Intergenerational Centers
Dr. Norouzi addresses the challenges of implementing intergenerational centers, including the need for city involvement and funding.
She discusses the potential for private businesses to see the benefits of intergenerational centers and invest in them.
Dr. Norouzi shares her vision of having intergenerational centers become a common feature in every city.
She reflects on the importance of these centers in a society where families are often geographically dispersed, providing non-familial interactions that foster understanding and connection between generations.
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Kirk Hamilton PA-C
Health Associates Medical Group
3301 Alta Arden, Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95825
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krhammer@surewest.net
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