Case study of intergenerational learning courses implemented in a preschool: perceptions of young children and senior citizens

Abstract

ABSTRACT Public awareness of health-related topics is increasing, and an increase in average life expectancy has increased the senior citizen population in Taiwan. Furthermore, because of the high cost of raising young children, people’s willingness to give birth has decreased. Taiwan’s aging population and declining birth rate are key challenges for its population development, and the promotion of interactions between young children and senior citizens is also a crucial topic for scholars. Therefore, intergenerational learning has been proposed, and several Taiwanese preschools have attempted to develop intergenerational learning courses. This study explored the perceptions of young children and senior citizens during the implementation of intergenerational learning courses in a preschool. The results revealed that the implementation of such courses allowed young children and senior citizens to influence each other’s life experiences and develop positive feelings. The interactions also promoted their psychological well-being. Through this study, we clarified the effectiveness of intergenerational learning courses. Finally, we proposed that intergenerational learning courses with the themes of ‘caring’ and ‘love’ should be developed and integrated into intergenerational learning courses.