Shared Site Intergenerational Programs: A Case Study

Abstract

Shared site intergenerational programs (SSIP) unite disparate age groups in quasi-kin relationships and meet the care needs of multiple generations of families. SSIPs can effectively support development through intergenerational relationships. However, many programs prove unsustainable. The authors conducted a case study of an established SSIP serving frail older adults and preschool-aged children using surveys and interviews from parents, family caregivers, and older adult clients with dementia. Benefits included appreciation for diversity, formation of close intergenerational relationships, and enhanced client self-esteem. Challenges related to developmental differences and need for greater communication with families. SSIPs can benefit individuals, families, and human services organizations.

Intergenerational volunteering and quality of life: mixed methods evaluation of a randomized control trial involving persons with mild to moderate dementia

“…In recent years, a new field of inquiry has consolidated around a more rigorous study of altruistic actions, emotions, and behaviors and their positive association with better health outcomes, while exploring the potential mechanisms underlying these health benefits [24,25]. Within this literature, a subset of research has established that older adults who form relationships with children through intergenerational volunteering programs seem to experience specific benefits, such as improvements in health status and well-being [26], increased activity, strength, and cognitive ability [27], the creation of meaningful relationships [28], enhanced selfesteem [29,30], increased social capital [31], and better psychological functioning [32]. However, most existing data have largely been derived from cross-sectional and retrospective observational studies, and only a few intergenerational volunteering programs have been evaluated using RCT models [31].…”

Intergenerational Volunteering and Quality of Life for Persons with Mild‐to‐Moderate Dementia: Results from a 5‐Month Intervention Study in the United States

“…Emerging evidence is demonstrating that there may be a range of biopsychosocial benefits for older adults who form relationships with children through intergenerational volunteering programs, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] but most existing data have been derived from cross-sectional and retrospective observational studies, and only a few intergenerational volunteering programs have been evaluated using randomized models. 10 Generally, there is a lack of high-quality data on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on the QOL of persons with dementia.…”

Intergenerational resource tensions in the workplace and beyond: Individual, interpersonal, institutional, international

“…For example, whereas some report generally positive outcomes in the domain of enhancing self-esteem among impaired older adults (Jarrott & Bruno, 2007), other reports indicate that young people may develop even more negative attitudes toward old people if the latter are particularly frail or cognitively impaired (Griff et al, 1996;Seefeldt, 1987). From a behavioral standpoint, contact with older adults might help dispel negative old-age stereotypes among undergraduates, but does not necessarily motivate them to pursue gerontology (Ramsey, Mendoza, & Weil, 2014).…”