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Intergenerational Programs and Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 38755

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Interests: intergenerational strategies; measurement of intergenerational program implementation and outcomes; environmental influences on health; therapeutic programming for older adults; civic engagement

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Guest Editor
Department of Business Strategy and Innovation, Griffith Business School, Grith University, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Interests: aged care workforce; intergenerational care; health service management; change management

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Guest Editor
RRF Foundation for Aging, 8675 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631, USA
Interests: aging; health and disease; measurement of patient reported outcomes; social isolation and loneliness, intergenerational connections, caregiving, and ageism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Relationships between members of non-adjacent generations, intergenerational relationships, have proven beneficial to the health of individuals and society. Familial and non-familial intergenerational ties have supported developmental goals, such as fitness, learning, and self-efficacy. Intergenerational strategies have also been utilized to respond to issues of age-segregation, social isolation, and low material and social capital. Increasingly drawing on interdisciplinary collaboration, researchers and practitioners address the essential supports needed to remove age-segregating barriers and promote evidence-informed practice that fosters positive intergenerational connections. Innovative intergenerational strategies have addressed housing, tutoring, vaccination, grandparent caregiving, sandwich generation caregiving, health professional and continuing education, organizational finance, food security, urban planning, public policy, and architecture, to name a few. Accordingly, the aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the broad scope of novel and contemporary research focused on intergenerational relationships.

This Special Issue of IJERPH, entitled “Intergenerational Programs and Health”, offers an opportunity to publish high-quality research, reviews, and theoretical notes that further the understanding of the means by which positive intergenerational ties are achieved and their impact on health and well-being. We welcome quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Submissions that discuss new knowledge, developments, and innovations working with diverse populations, in the field of health, and/or with consideration of implementation strategies, are particularly encouraged.

We invite you to submit articles on topics including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Evaluation of intergenerational interventions and/or natural experiments, and their impact on youth, older adult, or community health;
  • Implementation factors associated with outcomes of intergenerational strategies;
  • Innovations in the measurement of intergenerational programs;
  • Elements of intergenerational program settings and design that impact outcomes;
  • Stakeholder perspectives related to intergenerational programs, outcomes, and sustainability;
  • Intergenerational-friendly cities and health.

Prof. Dr. Shannon E. Jarrott
Dr. Katrina Radford
Dr. Amy Eisenstein
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • intergenerational relationship
  • intergenerational program
  • evaluation
  • implementation
  • intergenerational
  • multi-generational
  • grandparent caregiver
  • sandwich generation
  • age segregation
  • sustainability
  • skipped generation
  • non-adjacent generations

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1465 KiB  
Article
Intergenerational Day Centers: A New Wave in Adult and Child Day Care
by Neda Norouzi and Jacqueline L. Angel
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010809 - 1 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3895
Abstract
Intergenerational Day Centers (IDCs) are an innovation that addresses two important societal challenges, the continuing need for childcare and the emerging demand for older-adult supportive services that help them remain independent in their homes. These facilities provide care, and specialized resources and activities [...] Read more.
Intergenerational Day Centers (IDCs) are an innovation that addresses two important societal challenges, the continuing need for childcare and the emerging demand for older-adult supportive services that help them remain independent in their homes. These facilities provide care, and specialized resources and activities for both older adults and children in one location. While the importance and benefits of these programs have been proven, there is scant information in the literature and best-practice guidelines on the planning and development of these programs. This qualitative study focuses on the research, planning, and building development for new IDCs in metropolitan areas. It is based on a case example of the process of establishing an IDC in the City of Austin, which was an element of the Age-Friendly Austin Plan. It examines the applicable literature and the extensive involvement of experts in architecture, community planning, and public health policy as well as data collected from community engagement workshops to facilitate the IDC’s creation and operation. This study offers a developmental strategy method that can be adopted and utilized by other cities, developers, and designers who are interested in building IDCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
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13 pages, 332 KiB  
Article
Intergenerational Relations in the Climate Movement: Bridging the Gap toward a Common Goal
by Senjooti Roy and Liat Ayalon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010233 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2575
Abstract
The call for climate action has attracted global support, especially among youth. Over time, climate discourse has turned increasingly hostile toward both younger and older generations, potentially engendering intergenerational conflict when intergenerational cooperation is most needed. Using a purposive sampling method, we selected [...] Read more.
The call for climate action has attracted global support, especially among youth. Over time, climate discourse has turned increasingly hostile toward both younger and older generations, potentially engendering intergenerational conflict when intergenerational cooperation is most needed. Using a purposive sampling method, we selected a sample of 50 international influential individuals to gain an overview of the common views in current climate discourse to examine how they may impact intergenerational relations. We used a summative content analysis approach to analyze the different worldviews. The results are broadly divided into two categories—messages of intergenerational tension and messages of intergenerational solidarity. We found that although both types of messaging communicate similar facts and concerns, their presentation may either unite or divide different generations. Therefore, to work toward a common future for the benefit for all ages, it is essential for polarizing and accusatory sentiments to be replaced with messages of inclusivity and cooperation. This may be facilitated through intergenerational contact and interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
12 pages, 578 KiB  
Article
Digital and Non-Digital Solidarity between Older Parents and Their Middle-Aged Children: Associations with Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Woosang Hwang, Xiaoyu Fu, Maria Teresa Brown and Merril Silverstein
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912560 - 1 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2451
Abstract
We incorporated intergenerational digital communication (frequency of texting, video call, and social media interaction) into the intergenerational solidarity paradigm and identified new types of intergenerational and digital solidarity with adult children among older parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we examined whether [...] Read more.
We incorporated intergenerational digital communication (frequency of texting, video call, and social media interaction) into the intergenerational solidarity paradigm and identified new types of intergenerational and digital solidarity with adult children among older parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we examined whether those types are associated with older parents’ mental health (depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, and self-esteem). We used the 2021/2022 wave of the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSOG), and a sample of 519 older parents (mean age = 69 years). Latent class analysis identified four classes describing intergenerational and digital solidarity with adult children (distant-but-digitally connected, tight-knit-traditional, detached, and ambivalent). We found that older parents who had distant-but-digitally connected and tight-knit-traditional relationships with their adult children reported better mental health, compared to those who had detached and ambivalent relationships with their adult children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that intergenerational digital communication should be considered as a digital solidarity in intergenerational solidarity paradigm, which is useful for measuring multidimension of intergenerational relationships within family members during and after the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
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15 pages, 381 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial Outcomes of Age Integration Status: Do Age-Integrated Social Networks Benefit Older Adults?
by Carly Roman, Christopher R. Beam and Elizabeth Zelinski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912322 - 28 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Increased longevity means that older adults have more opportunities to have age-integrated social networks, which include both same-aged peers and intergenerational social ties. Compared to those with peer-only, or intergenerational-only social networks, those with age-integrated networks may experience greater psychosocial benefits due to [...] Read more.
Increased longevity means that older adults have more opportunities to have age-integrated social networks, which include both same-aged peers and intergenerational social ties. Compared to those with peer-only, or intergenerational-only social networks, those with age-integrated networks may experience greater psychosocial benefits due to the age-diverse nature of their social networks. Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was used to examine age integration status associations with well-being and social engagement in a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. We hypothesized that age-integrated older adults have greater well-being and social engagement than older adults with peer-only or intergenerational-only networks. Weighted ordinary least squares regression analyses were conducted to test associations of well-being and social engagement with age integration status, controlling for sociodemographic and health covariates. Older adults with age-integrated social networks did not differ in well-being from those with peer-only or intergenerational-only networks, although they had greater social engagement than those with intergenerational-only networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
11 pages, 318 KiB  
Article
Key Considerations to the Introduction of Intergenerational Practice to Australian Policy
by Katrina Radford, Janna Anneke Fitzgerald, Nerina Vecchio, Jennifer Cartmel, Ryan Bruce Gould and Jennifer Kosiol
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811254 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
Intergenerational practice programs provide purposeful interactions between generations. While research reports improved social and behavioral outcomes for cohorts, no study has explored both expert and potential consumer perceptions of the implementation of intergenerational practice programs. This study conducted a Delphi study of expert [...] Read more.
Intergenerational practice programs provide purposeful interactions between generations. While research reports improved social and behavioral outcomes for cohorts, no study has explored both expert and potential consumer perceptions of the implementation of intergenerational practice programs. This study conducted a Delphi study of expert opinions, as well as a national survey of potential consumers (N = 1020), to provide critical insights into the potential barriers to implementing intergenerational practice programs. Results revealed that 71.3% of potential consumers would participate in intergenerational practice programs if they were available and experts agreed that the program was of benefit to both populations. However, there were shared concerns regarding the transport, safety, and outcomes of the program for participants. Based on our findings we offer several policy considerations in the implementation of intergenerational programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
14 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Extending the Together, We Inspire Smart Eating Curriculum to Intergenerational Nutrition Education: A Pilot Study
by Rachel M. Scrivano, Jill J. Juris, Shannon E. Jarrott and Jennifer M. Lobb
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 8935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158935 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2354
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made accessing nutritious foods difficult for older adults and children living in low-income households. The evidence-based preschool nutrition education curriculum Together, We Inspire Smart Eating (WISE) can be used to encourage children to try healthy foods. Written as a [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made accessing nutritious foods difficult for older adults and children living in low-income households. The evidence-based preschool nutrition education curriculum Together, We Inspire Smart Eating (WISE) can be used to encourage children to try healthy foods. Written as a single generation curriculum, inviting older adult community members to WISE programming for an intergenerational experience may provide further supports and mutual benefits as participants cooperate towards a common goal. While creators have evaluated implementation of WISE, research has yet to explore factors that influence WISE adoption within an intergenerational setting. We conducted a pilot study using the implementation evaluation framework to explore WISE implementation within single generation and intergenerational settings by measuring five implementation outcomes (fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and sustainability) through three methods: (1) direct assessment of program fidelity via video coding; (2) indirect assessment of stakeholders’ perceptions of WISE implementation, and (3) a directed qualitative content analysis on annual interview data. Fidelity scores were comparable between the two settings and stakeholder ratings of appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of WISE were high. Qualitative data revealed that aspects of WISE are less appropriate for older participants and reiterated known logistical barriers of intergenerational programming that may challenge program sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
11 pages, 342 KiB  
Article
Virtual Intergenerational Reverse-Mentoring Program Reduces Loneliness among Older Adults: Results from a Pilot Evaluation
by Jill J. Juris, Erin D. Bouldin, Katherine Uva, Christopher D. Cardwell, Anastacia Schulhoff and Nicole Hiegl
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127121 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3088
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness can create negative health outcomes for older adults. Informed by social capital and intergroup contact theories, our goal was to reduce these social problems using an intergenerational reverse-mentoring program. During fall 2020, we implemented an adapted, fully online version [...] Read more.
Social isolation and loneliness can create negative health outcomes for older adults. Informed by social capital and intergroup contact theories, our goal was to reduce these social problems using an intergenerational reverse-mentoring program. During fall 2020, we implemented an adapted, fully online version of Cyber-Seniors that encouraged undergraduate students to provide technology mentoring to local older adults in a seven-county area in rural Appalachia. We recruited gerontology students through the university and local older adults through local aging organizations. We collected data through pre-and post-tests that included validated measures (Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and UCLA 3-item loneliness scale) and open-ended questions about the program. Thirty-one students and nine older adults completed the pre-survey; twenty students and eight older adults completed the post-survey. We made comparisons using t-tests and considered p < 0.20 to indicate meaningful differences given the anticipated small sample size in this pilot project. Isolation did not change among older adults but increased among students in the family domain (p = 0.14) between baseline and follow-up. Loneliness improved between the pre- and post-tests among older adults (mean: 5.6 (SD = 2.2) to 4.1 (SD = 1.3), p = 0.17) but not among students (mean: 5.0 (SD = 1.5) to 5.2 (SD = 1.7), p = 0.73). In open-ended responses, older adults described learning new ways to interact with friends and family as a result of the program. This program was acceptable and suggested effectiveness in an important health-related domain (loneliness). While larger studies are needed to fully test the program’s impact, this pilot evaluation suggests that reverse mentoring programs can be implemented virtually and may improve social outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
17 pages, 366 KiB  
Article
Big and Mini: A Promising Intergenerational Program for Social Connections
by Ling Xu, Noelle L. Fields, Zhirui Chen, Allen Zhou, Aditi Merchant and Anthony Zhou
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084566 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3444
Abstract
Introduction: To help older adults cope with loneliness during COVID-19, a weekly, telephone-based intergenerational program called “Big and Mini” was created in April 2020 to link young and older adults together. As part of an evaluation of Big and Mini, [...] Read more.
Introduction: To help older adults cope with loneliness during COVID-19, a weekly, telephone-based intergenerational program called “Big and Mini” was created in April 2020 to link young and older adults together. As part of an evaluation of Big and Mini, a survey with both close and open-ended questions was sent to participants. Methods: A total of 63 Bigs and 53 Minis completed the survey. Their stress compared to before COVID-19, loneliness, life satisfaction, intergenerational closeness, and satisfaction with the program were measured for participants. Descriptive, bivariate correlation and conventional content analyses were conducted. Results: On average, Bigs and Minis had participated in the program for 3.73 and 3.49 months, respectively. Approximately half of the Bigs (47.6%) and Minis (52.8%) felt the same stress level compared to before COVID-19. A few participants felt “less stressed” compared to before COVID -9 (14.3 and 7.5%, respectively, for Bigs and Minis). All participants reported medium levels of loneliness, high levels of satisfaction with life, satisfaction with the program, and intergenerational closeness. Content analysis suggested that the reasons to join or expectations of the program were friendship, mutually beneficial intergenerational connections, and coping with loneliness. Conclusions: The Big and Mini program offers a promising approach with mutual benefits for participants. Strategies to improve the program and implications for intergenerational programs are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
13 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Positive Health Behavior Changes in Custodial Grandparents and Grandchildren Following an Intervention
by Christine A. Fruhauf, Angela Nancy Mendoza, Aimee L. Fox, Heather Greenwood-Junkermeier, Nathaniel R. Riggs and Loriena A. Yancura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074027 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2796
Abstract
Background: Custodial grandparents experience greater physical health declines and higher rates of depression than their same-age peers who do not provide care, and grandchildren in grandfamilies often have behavior problems. However, few researchers have explored the impact of self-care education on decreasing these [...] Read more.
Background: Custodial grandparents experience greater physical health declines and higher rates of depression than their same-age peers who do not provide care, and grandchildren in grandfamilies often have behavior problems. However, few researchers have explored the impact of self-care education on decreasing these negative outcomes. Our study examined how a self-care and life-skills intervention influenced health behavior change in a sample of grandparents and grandchildren. Methods: Data were collected during eleven focus groups (and two interviews) with 55 grandparents, and one focus group with five grandchildren, at 6 months after the 6-week intervention detailed in this paper. Grandparents ranged in age from 46 to 84 years old (M = 62.19, SD = 8.24). Participating grandchildren ranged in age from 9 to 12 years old. Focus group transcripts were coded for content related to grandparents’ and grandchildren’s positive behavior changes following the intervention. Findings: Grandparents reported taking more time for themselves, reducing negative self-talk, increasing healthy physical choices, and having better communication skills after participating in the intervention. Similarly, grandchildren reported increased confidence in making friends, making good decisions, and getting along with others. Findings suggest that a self-care and life skills program show promise for improving the health and wellness of grandfamilies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
15 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
The Benefits of Intergenerational Wisdom-Sharing: A Randomized Controlled Study
by Karl Pillemer, Julia Nolte, Leslie Schultz, Harry Yau, Charles R. Henderson, Jr., Marie Tillema Cope and Barbara Baschiera
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074010 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5472
Abstract
Adolescents’ opportunities to benefit from the life wisdom of older persons are very limited. To address this issue, we designed and tested the Building a Community Legacy Together (BCLT) program based on research on the benefits of older people’s wisdom for youth development. [...] Read more.
Adolescents’ opportunities to benefit from the life wisdom of older persons are very limited. To address this issue, we designed and tested the Building a Community Legacy Together (BCLT) program based on research on the benefits of older people’s wisdom for youth development. In the intervention, the youth participants were trained prior to conducting interviews with older persons regarding their advice for living. The youth participants analyzed the information obtained and presented a summary report to the community. The participants were 93 middle and high school youth who were randomly assigned to the treatment condition with the BCLT program (n = 47) or to the control condition (n = 46). The outcome measures included sense of purpose, self-esteem, attitudes toward older people, confidence interacting with older people, and interest in working with older people. Quantitative and qualitative data were also collected regarding the subjective assessments of the program’s success. We found significant positive effects for the BCLT participants regarding their sense of purpose in life, attitudes toward older people, comfort interacting with older people, and interest in working with older people. The subjective assessments of the participants were overwhelmingly positive. The findings indicate that BCLT had positive effects for the youth participants and support the further development and testing of wisdom-sharing intergenerational programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
11 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Motivation to Participate in Intergenerational Programs: A Comparison across Different Program Types and Generations
by Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063554 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2369
Abstract
Much research has attested to the benefits of intergenerational programs (IGPs) for older and younger participants, but there is a lack of understanding about what motivates them to participate and to persevere. We conducted structured interviews with 83 older (mean age = 77) [...] Read more.
Much research has attested to the benefits of intergenerational programs (IGPs) for older and younger participants, but there is a lack of understanding about what motivates them to participate and to persevere. We conducted structured interviews with 83 older (mean age = 77) and 96 younger (mean age = 23) participants who participated in 13 IGPs in Israel, some involving specific topics, and some providing assistance to older adults. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed differences in motivation across generations and program types and compared initial and ongoing motivation to participate. We found differences regarding motivation by age group and program type: Among older participants, interest in the specific subject was a more prevalent motivation in topic-focused groups, while receiving support was more common in assistance groups. Among young persons, motivations relating to obligation, such as receipt of a financial scholarship, and the wish to help others were the most prevalent motivators. Ongoing motivation was often explained by positive intergenerational relationships and enjoyment. For older adults, offering more diverse topic-focused activities may motivate greater participation. For young adults, integrating IGPs within more and different settings, and promoting IGPs as opportunities to help others are potential motivators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
16 pages, 3078 KiB  
Article
Benefits, Satisfaction and Limitations Derived from the Performance of Intergenerational Virtual Activities: Data from a General Population Spanish Survey
by Alejandro Canedo-García, Jesús-Nicasio García-Sánchez and Deilis-Ivonne Pacheco-Sanz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010401 - 30 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1996
Abstract
The growing social gap between people of different generations has led to a greater interest in the study of intergenerational interactions. Digital technologies have become necessary for people of all ages to perform daily activities, increasingly including older people. The use of information [...] Read more.
The growing social gap between people of different generations has led to a greater interest in the study of intergenerational interactions. Digital technologies have become necessary for people of all ages to perform daily activities, increasingly including older people. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and virtual tools can provide older people with excellent opportunities to connect with other generations, improving their quality of life and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits, satisfaction, and limitations of intergenerational interactions generated by the use of virtual tools. The participants are subjects of any age and different social groups residing in Spain and have completed an online survey. The analysis of sociodemographic data of the respondents showed that there is a significant correlation between the use of social networks and all the variables analyzed, except for their level of autonomy. Most participants who participated in intergenerational virtual activities reported the benefits of their social participation, relationships, mood, mental health, and academic education. Moreover, most participants were quite or very satisfied with the person with whom they used the virtual tools, especially if the person was a friend, their partner, sibling, another relative, or colleague. Except for grandparents, people who participated in intergenerational virtual activities and who had no limitations or disabilities were more frequently reported by the participants. In conclusion, intergenerational interactions through the use of virtual tools can contribute to improving the social inclusion and relationships of all people involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
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9 pages, 311 KiB  
Article
In the Eye of the Beholder: The Impact of Intergenerational Programs from the Perspectives of Their Different Stakeholders
by Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211916 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1823
Abstract
Since most evaluations of intergenerational programs (IGPs) focus on the perspective of a single stakeholder group concerning the benefit for themselves, we compared perceptions of multiple stakeholders: older adults, younger adults, and IGP organizers concerning the impact of IGPs on older and young [...] Read more.
Since most evaluations of intergenerational programs (IGPs) focus on the perspective of a single stakeholder group concerning the benefit for themselves, we compared perceptions of multiple stakeholders: older adults, younger adults, and IGP organizers concerning the impact of IGPs on older and young participants. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected data from thirteen community-based IGPs. The quantitative analyses included a comparison of the different stakeholder groups via ANOVAs and chi-square analyses. In order to identify the reasons for different attribution ratings among stakeholders, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the stakeholders’ comments and responses to open-ended questions using a thematic analysis approach. Overall, participants rated benefits to themselves lower than attributed to them by their counterparts. Differences in ratings may be explained by differences in expectations and needs, cognitive dissonance, as well as a lack of awareness about other participants’ experiences. Given the discrepancies in perception of impact, it is vital to seek input from all stakeholders in order to understand their respective needs and expectations, construct a balanced evaluation, and improve IGP processes and outcomes. Studying a single stakeholder group for project evaluation is likely to provide only one perspective, whereas including all points of view provides a more complete picture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intergenerational Programs and Health)
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