‘It makes me young’: St. Joseph students using board games to connect generations

MUSKEGO, Wis (CBS 58) - Twice a month, students from the St. Joseph Catholic School in Big Bend travel to the Regency Senior Community in Muskego to play board games with seniors.

Over the last several years, the board games have become more than just games.

“These are relationships that aren't just one-time relationships, these are relationships that have built up and will continue to build up more in the future for everybody,” St. Joseph Principal Michael Brown said.

The board games have become a way to bridge the gap between generations.

“They teach them how to play Uno, how to play Rack-O, how to play cribbage, how to play Sorry and they just learn patience,” Brown said. “Also how to help that person remember the rules and to be a part of that experience with them.”

Adalyn Metzger is a St. Joseph student that has become part of the tradition.

“I love playing the games with them, it’s really fun because we get to enjoy time with them,” Metzger said. “It makes me feel happy, happy that I’m appreciated here.”

Metzger looks forward to playing with one of the seniors every time, 97-year-old Ruth Seldal.

“Every time I’m here I like to always play with Ruth,” Metzger said. “Every time that I come in and I walk in she has a big smile on her face when I see her.”

Seldal says the kids teach her, and everybody waits for them to come.

“Just being with younger people and talking about younger things instead of being with older people all the time,” Seldal said. “It makes a difference.”

Maisie Jusdman is also a St. Joseph student that visits the assisted living center.

“It’s really fun because you get to watch them be happy when they win,” Jusdman said. “Honestly I just enjoy seeing them be happy and that’s really what I want to come here for.”

Dorothy Smul turns 90 in March and values the times she gets to spend with the students two times a month.

“They showed me how to play some games that I haven’t played for 80 years or so,” Smul said. “I don’t know, it makes me young. I think of the way I was.”