University of Findlay’s Silver Stories Program

University of Findlay and 50North are seeking adults over the age of 50 to become Silver Listeners and participate in a program called Silver Stories. The program is based on a program from the United Kingdom. Each Silver Listener is partnered with a Silver Reader elementary student in the University’s Clubhouse literacy program.

Each week, the Silver Reader will call the Silver Listener to read a story to him or her. This delightful call will take place on Wednesday evenings for only 15 minutes. The Silver Stories intergenerational program not only helps children to become more confident in their reading skills but helps them to provide an enriching and positive experience for both the reader and the listener

The researchers are interested in the experiences that the Silver Readers, the Silver Listeners, and the tutors have in this pilot program. Therefore, there would be an additional commitment before the program begins and after the program ends. Silver Listeners who agree to be a part of the research study will answer a questionnaire that measures two factors: social isolation and loneliness. Other questions, called semi-structured interview questions, will also be asked of the Silver Listener to be used in the research study. This pre- and post-program commitment will be no more than one hour for each session for a total of two hours.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please email the primary investigator, Jenny Theriault, at Jennifer.theriault@findlay.edu, 419-434-4840. For more information about the Silver Stories program in the United Kingdom, please visit this site: https://silverstories.co.uk/