CCPH Fellows 2002/2003: Debra Sheets

Debra Sheets is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program at California State University, Northridge. She received her doctorate in Gerontology and Public Policy from the University of So. California. Prior to receiving her doctoral degree, she worked for nearly 20 years as a registered nurse. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors for both the American Society on Aging (ASA) and the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics (CCGG). She is co-editor of an ASA publication called "Maximizing Human Potential" and is also chair-elect for the Humanities and Arts Committee of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Her research interests include aging with physical disabilities, assistive technology policies, and community-based long-term care. She has presented nationally and publishes regularly in peer-reviewed journals

Project Title

Intergenerational partnerships for healthy aging

Project Description

The purpose of this project is to develop a national clearinghouse and network of faculty engaged in intergenerational service-learning to promote healthy aging. This will further the development of initiatives that focus on intergenerational service-learning in gerontology by: (1) creating a curriculum resources guide to intergenerational service-learning projects focused on healthy aging across the health disciplines; (2) developing a national online clearinghouse on intergenerational service-learning on healthy aging; and (3) initiating an e-mail listserv to provide a forum for discussion and collaboration.

The creation of a curriculum resources guide will be useful to other faculty by identifying exemplars of intergenerational service-learning projects that focus on healthy aging and providing contact information, descriptions of projects and examples of syllabi. The establishment of an online national clearinghouse on intergenerational service-learning on healthy aging will provide access to information on other health professionals interested in health promotion efforts that target the needs of older adults. While the intersection of health and aging in service-learning is not uncommon, there is no centralized source that provides information on campus-community partnerships in gerontology-- what works, how to do it, etc. The online clearinghouse on intergenerational service-learning to promote healthy aging will provide easy and comprehensive access to resources on intergenerational service-learning including technical assistance across a range of allied health professions, identify best practices, provide a forum for sharing syllabi, announce funding opportunities and identify appropriate journals (e.g. Intergenerational Programming Quarterly) for publication. Similarly the listserv on healthy aging will facilitate discussions among faculty about challenges, strategies and barriers to intergenerational service-learning.

Project Products

The National Clearinghouse on Service-Learning for Healthy Aging is up and running. The Clearinghouse on Service-learning for Healthy Aging (CSLHA) is a voluntary effort to gather information on initiatives that promote health through partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions. Founded in 2003, we are a growing network of faculty in higher education from all disciplines who are dedicated to service-learning that promotes the health of older adults. CSLHA partnerships share common goals that include:

• Building partnerships between community organizations and higher educational institutions to address the needs of the community
• Incorporating service-learning into the education of all college students
• Developing a network of colleagues to provide support and information

Call for Syllabi and Program Information

If you are doing work in the area of service-learning for healthy aging, click here to download a brief 2 page information form asking for details about your service-learning partnership. The form will take about 10 minutes to fill out and should be returned, along with a copy of your syllabus, via e-mail to CCPH Fellow Debra Sheets or by fax to 818-677-2045.

The data you provide will be compiled into a database that will be made available at the web site www.healthyaging.us. Please don't hesitate to contact Debra Sheets by phone at (818) 677-2344 if you have any questions. Thank you for your help in developing this resource for others so they can learn from your efforts and expertise.