‘They give me life to carry on’: Spanish grandparents’ lived experiences of intergenerational leisure

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the lived experiences of intergenerational leisure amongst a sample of Spanish grandparents, and the impact these may have on their perceived health and wellbeing. Theoretically, this study is framed within Stryker and Burke’s symbolic interaction theory and Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Data collection included semi structured phone interviews with 19 grandparents. Thematic analysis elicited four key themes, related to grandparents’ lived experiences of intergenerational leisure. These included: (1) Generative activities; (2) Identities in intergenerational leisure; (3) Hindrances to role performance; and (4) Health impact of grandparents’ self-meanings. We conclude that participants’ self-evaluations of the impact their generative actions had on their grandchildren, together with the high salience of their role, influenced their self-concept and led to positive outcomes. These included improvements in their health and wellbeing, such as feeling calm and relaxed, feeling loved and looked after, and helped them to have a future-oriented outlook by giving them a greater sense of liveliness, hope and purpose in life. We provide some recommendations for future research and practice, such as the need of interventions that provide older adults with opportunities to interact with younger generations during leisure time.