100 The Factors Which Impact Non-Familial Intergenerational Interaction within Public Space: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Intergenerational interaction is the communication which occurs between people from two or more generations and known benefits include improved psychological wellbeing and decreased social isolation. Intergenerational programs therefore have the potential to decrease risk of loneliness for older people. Public spaces are accessible and open for use to all people, irrespective of age or ability, and are therefore an important environment to consider for intergenerational interaction development. The aim of this review was to identify factors which impact non-familial intergenerational interaction within public spaces. Methods An integrative review of qualitative and quantitative peer reviewed literature was completed, from inception through January 2019. Academic Search Complete, Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, CINAHL, Science Direct, SCOPUS, Social Sciences Citation Index and Web of Science were searched. The search yielded 488 articles, 16 of which were included. Research studies were critically appraised using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and key data were extracted and synthesised to identify the factors which impact non-familial intergenerational interactions in public spaces, through a method of constant comparison analysis. Results Three key themes were identified: ‘Comparing naturally occurring non-familial intergenerational interactions with structured intergenerational programs’; ‘Barriers to non-familial intergenerational interactions in public spaces’ and ‘Successful non-familial intergenerational interaction achieved through shared activity’. Conclusion The findings highlighted that structured intergenerational programs have a greater chance of facilitating positive intergenerational interaction, as the presence of a group facilitator directly enabled non-familial intergenerational interactions. Successful non-familial intergenerational interactions were achieved through shared experiences of fun and meaningful activities. Barriers to non-familial intergenerational interaction in public space included lack of opportunities, negative attitudes held of different generations, age stereotypes and age segregation. Older people have the potential to benefit most from non-familial intergenerational interaction, due to increased risk of loneliness and high participation rates in non-familial intergenerational interactions in public spaces.