Examining the Impact of the Design-Thinking Intergenerational Service-Learning Model on Older Adults’ Self-Care Behaviors and Well-Being

Abstract

The Design-Thinking Intergenerational Service-Learning Model (DTISLM), rooted in the biopsychosocial model, aims to empower older adults to improve their chronic-disease management behavior through tailored programs addressing their specific healthcare needs. This study, conducted in Taiwan, used a convenience sampling method ( n = 172) to evaluate the impact of DTISLM on Taiwan’s adult day center participants’ perception of self-care behaviors, feelings of happiness, depression, and perceived social support using pretest–posttest surveys. The results indicated a significant enhancement in participants’ perception of self-care behaviors, reduction in depression score, and improvements in perceived social support following the completion of the program. The findings underscore the efficacy of applying a design-thinking framework in an intergenerational context. Future studies should investigate how the DTISLM can be scaled to various demographics and healthcare settings to enhance its applicability and understand its long-term effects.