A Descriptive Study of the Foster Grandparent Program in Support of the Creation of an Afterschool Program to Address Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease Risk in Older Adults and Children

<p>Volunteer service is associated with self-reported health improvement by older adult volunteers in AmeriCorps Senior programs. However, little is known about how specific chronic diseases and mental health issues affect Foster Grandparents, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on volunteer activities for older adults. Using Bourdieu’s concept of <em>habitus</em>, this study outlines the structural influences of the Foster Grandparent program on volunteers’ motivation for volunteering, mental and physical health status before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and current household food security status. The study utilizes a survey, which was distributed by the National Senior Corps Association and the National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors, and five regional focus groups, which highlight the volunteers’ motivation and personal experiences. The survey was adapted from the NHANES and translated into Spanish. The findings of this study suggest that volunteering in the Foster Grandparent program may maintain physical health and improve mental health of the volunteers. Utilizing an intergenerational program model may provide opportunities for older adults and children to adopt a “healthy <em>habitus</em>”<em> </em>to prevent or manage chronic disease and food insecurity<em>. </em></p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Sorrell, Sara

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Bridget Hayden
• Dr. Marie Danforth
• Dr. Allison Formanack

• Foster Grandparent Program
• survey
• food insecurity
• chronic disease
• health
• focus groups

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/858

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-1921