Evaluation of the Benefits, Satisfaction, and Limitations of Intergenerational Face-to-Face Activities: A General Population Survey in Spain

Abstract

Over the last decades, social isolation and loneliness among older adults have given rise to an increased interest in the study of intergenerational relationships. Intergenerational programs provide a great opportunity for older adults to connect with people of other generations. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of these programs, improving the mental and physical health of the elderly and contributing to better academic formation and social skills in children. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits, satisfaction, and limitations of the intergenerational interactions derived from the performance of face-to-face activities, such as daily and healthcare activities, educational, cultural and leisure activities, and physical or sport activities. Participants were subjects living in Spain of any age (grouped into three age groups: <22, 22–40, and >40 years old) and from different social groups who completed an electronic 88-item questionnaire. The analysis of sociodemographic variables of the survey respondents revealed that people aged 40 or more, with personal autonomy, single or married, and living with a partner and/or other relative, and not retired, performed face-to-face activities with people of other generations with a significantly higher frequency than the rest of the groups for each variable. Most participants who participated in intergenerational face-to-face activities reported benefits to their physical and mental health, mood, relationships, self-determination, social participation, and academic education. Most participants were quite or very satisfied with the person with whom they performed this type of activities, especially if this person was a friend or a close relative. Except for grandparents, people who participated in intergenerational face-to-face activities and who had no limitations or disabilities were more frequently reported by the participants. In conclusion, intergenerational interactions derived from the performance of face-to-face activities can contribute to improve both the physical and mental health, social skills, and relationships of all people involved.

Barriers and facilitators to older adult participation in intergenerational physical activity program: a systematic review

“…All studies had a quality score of more than 3, and 3 of the 12 studies scored 5 [ 33 , 36 , 38 ]. The remaining studies scored 4 ( n = 8) [ 32 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 43 ] and 3 ( n = 1) [ 41 ]. Generally, the articles that were included exhibited a level of quality ranging from moderate to high.…”

“…In terms of older adults’ knowledge, awareness and attitude, positive attitudes, enjoyment or interest, and sense of achievement were common facilitators [ 32 , 34 , 35 , 38 , 40 , 42 ], In addition, the need for activity, learning of skills, and perceived benefits of exercise are also facilitators [ 37 , 40 , 41 ]. In terms of personal and health factors, the groups of older women, married persons, housewives, and farmers show a higher interest in group activities, especially intergenerational physical activity [ 34 , 35 ]. Older adults, particularly elderly women, housewives, and married individuals, have more leisure time and a more flexible schedule, which makes it easier for them to engage in intergenerational physical activities [ 35 ].…”

Loneliness among elderly people as a public health threat

“…having offspring has a protective effect against loneliness, and the negative effects among the widowed tend to decrease with years of widowhood [11]. Lonely old people are deprived of the proven benefits of intergenerational face-to-face contact, with human physical and mental health, social skills, and relationships [13]. Though often advised, adopting a pet to fight loneliness and avoid depression has not been definitely proven to be effective [14].…”

Análisis del edadismo durante la pandemia, un maltrato global hacia las personas mayores

“…Se deben potenciar los programas intergeneracionales y la educación sobre envejecimiento que son actividades sociales para promover el envejecimiento activo entre adultos mayores a través del contacto con otras generaciones. Estas interacciones contribuyen a mejorar tanto la salud física como mental, las habilidades sociales y las relaciones de todas las personas involucradas 22 , es clave para reducir la discriminación por edad y el aislamiento social de los más mayores 8 , 22 mejora los resultados académicos, la percepción positiva hacia las personas mayores y las actitudes hacia las actividades comunitarias entre niños y jóvenes 20 , 21 , 22 .…”