Professor Shannon Jarrott, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Shannon Jarrott, Ph.D. is a professor of social work at The Ohio State University. She specializes in community-based services, emphasizing shared programming for youth and older persons. Her research of implementation and outcomes of evidence-based intergenerational practice with diverse participants reflects a community-based participatory approach. Shannon is Behavioral and Social Sciences chair for the Gerontological Society of America and Editor of The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships.
Shannon Jarrott has been writing about the value of intergenerational relationships ever since she realized that not all young and older people have the opportunity for a close intergenerational connection like she and her siblings enjoyed with their “Nanny.” This motivation led Shannon to work with child care centers, adult day service programs, primary schools, nursing homes, 4-H clubs, universities, food banks, and churches interested in utilizing youth’s and older adults’ strengths to benefit participants and the larger community. Sometimes organizations need help preparing their environment and their staff to offer programming to diverse young and older people; Shannon has collaborated with practitioners and researchers to identify specific strategies that increase the success of these programs. With the support of community stakeholders, the intergenerational programs Shannon has partnered with community organizations to promote meaningful roles, healthy food access, empathy, resilience, life skills, and a sense of purpose for both young and older persons. Intergenerational programs also support cost savings and enhanced well-being for sponsoring organizations. She is Editor of The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships.