Intergenerational Practice in the Community—What Does the Community Think?

Abstract

The many changes that occur in the lives of older people put them at an increased risk of being socially isolated and lonely. Intergenerational programs for older adults and young children can potentially address this shortfall, because of the perceived benefit from generations interacting. This study explores whether there is an appetite in the community for intergenerational programs for community dwelling older adults. An online survey was distributed via social media, research team networks, and snowballing recruitment with access provided via QR code or hyperlink. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with potential participants of a pilot intergenerational program planned for the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia in 2020. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Over 250 people completed the survey, and 21 interviews took place with older adults (10) and parents of young children (11). The data showed that participants were all in favor of intergenerational programs, but there were different perceptions about who benefits most and how. The study highlighted considerations to be addressed in the development of effective and sustainable intergenerational programs. For example, accessing people in the community who are most socially isolated and lonely was identified as a primary challenge. More evidence-based research is needed to support involvement of different cohorts, such as those who are frail, or living with physical or cognitive limitations.

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

“…The research emphasizes that the motivation of older adults is an important factor in promoting PA and intergenerational PA. To attract older adults to participate in intergenerational PA, it is necessary to consider older adults' motivation to participate and its significance, which is consistent with the previous studies [ 27 , 51 , 53 ].…”

Intergenerational living and learning: The value and risks of co‐locating retirement villages on secondary school campuses – Evaluating the GrandSchools vision

“…Embracing the excitement and opportunity of the GrandSchool vision requires both policy advocacy and community awareness/education around the possibility of intergenerational living and learning. While existing pilots are examining co‐location of early childhood centres and university campuses with residential aged care services, 5,7–10,12–14 research into the co‐location of retirement villages with high school settings remains lacking.…”

“…A growing body of research has demonstrated that intergenerational programs have positive impacts on physical and mental health, with these programs focused primarily on interactions between older people and younger children (preschool and primary school) 1–8 . There are a number of challenges in implementing such intergenerational initiatives, including: regulatory conflicts; physical environment implications; the logistical challenges of operating educational entities, aged care and/or retirement villages in the one location; the challenge of change and conflicting perspectives on the value, alongside low societal awareness and a paucity of empirical research to support the development of intergenerational learning and care centres 8–10 …”

Pre-Engagement as Method: An EmbodiMapTM VR Experience to Explore Lived Experience of People from South Sudanese Refugee Background

“…We engaged in phenomenological analysis allowing us to gain insights into the perceptions and experiences of the engagements and how meaning was made from the experience (Bennett, Froggett, & Muller, 2019). We observed and made notes, and individually and as a group listened to all recordings, choosing to work with the expressive and nuanced expression available in the audio recording (rather than reverting to transcripts) (Kenning et al, 2021; Froggett & Wengraf, 2004)).…”