Intergenerational Interaction Research Articles

Multigenerational Urban Design: Creating Urban Spaces That Support Active Aging and Intergenerational Interaction

Multigenerational Urban Design: Creating Urban Spaces That Support Active Aging and Intergenerational Interaction

Influence of multigenerational and living-alone households on high fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) food consumption pattern in aging population

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation between household composition and consumption of different groups of high fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) among older persons in Thailand. Study designThis study used cross-sectional data from the 2021 population-based survey called the Health Behavior of Population Survey. MethodsData from this study were drawn from 39,384 sampled Thai older persons age 60 years or over. A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information about frequency of HFSS food consumption, household composition, and socio-demographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was performed to investigate correlations between household composition and food consumption. ResultsMore than three in five older Thais lived in a multigenerational home. The probabilities of consuming high-fat food, fast food, and snacks among older persons who lived with working-age person(s) and child(ren)/adolescents were much higher than for those living alone. Older persons who lived alone had the highest probability of consuming instant food, compared with other types of household composition. Participants who lived with child(ren)/adolescents only or with working-age person(s) only (p ≤ 0.01) and child(ren)/adolescents only (p ≤ 0.001) were more likely to consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). ConclusionsThe findings point to life course interventions to discourage HFSS consumption across generations. Social interventions and public policy aiming at increasing intergenerational interactions could be beneficial for healthier diets for not only older persons but also across generations.

Bridging Generations Through Movement: “How and Why” Intergenerational Programs Operate—A Systematic and Narrative Review

Well-being and social interaction are among the primary goals to be achieved for the elderly. Intergenerational physical activity (PA) has gained increasing attention due to its potential to encourage PA and social interaction, providing both social and physical benefits to both younger and older individuals. This review aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the potential roles of PA in facilitating intergenerational interactions and provide practical insights. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the systematic review identified specific keywords to search for articles that met the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria (n. 5 RCT articles, selected between 2009 and 2024), conducted by three independent reviewers. Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science were consulted to identify relevant articles. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. For the narrative dissertation, articles were identified across three key areas of focus: types of PA, age groups, and intended goals. Results: Few studies have specifically implemented PA protocols in intergenerational relationships, and most have planned remote activities without monitoring outcomes. The main advantages of intergenerational PA are oriented towards the social and relational sphere rather than simple PA involvement. Conclusions: For the elderly, these programs may help mitigate age-related deficits, while children and adolescents, when adapting to their older counterparts, experience greater effectiveness when provided with clear guidance during shared activities. Considering the characteristics and needs of individuals of different ages, different activities must be proposed to obtain different results. The organization of workshops and preparatory sessions will help in facilitating relationships and interactions among participants.

Gender differences in the association between inter-generational interaction and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults

BackgroundInter-generational interaction is a carrier of Chinese traditional culture, and it can exert important influence on the depressive symptoms on Chinese older adults. The study aims to analyze gender differences in the association between inter-generational interaction and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults and explore factors contributing to the differences.MethodData from China Family Panel Studies in 2020 were used. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The latent class analysis was applied to identify patterns of inter-generational interaction of older adults (aged 60 and above). Before the comparison between older man and older woman, we used Coarsened Exact Matching to control confounding factors and improve causal inferences. Multiple linear regression was conducted to explore the association between inter-generational interaction and depression symptoms. Oaxaca-blinder decomposition method was used to analyze the gender difference and the sources.ResultOur study identified three types of inter-generational interaction: detached, nearby but discordant and two-way tight-knit. Analysis indicated that most of older man (54.39%) and older woman (49.78%) were in the type of nearby but discordant. Older man and older woman who in detached type had higher depression scores than other types, and the depression score of two-way tight-knit type accounted for 12.42 and 13.77 respectively. Our findings demonstrated that two-way tight-knit type (-11.89%) significantly decreased the gender differences in the depression symptoms. Other major contributors also included living without spouse (20.56%), primary school and junior middle school (15.95%), higher middle school and above (9.50%) and no illness for two weeks (47.70%).ConclusionOur study highlighted three patterns of inter-generational interaction, and most of older man and older woman were in the pattern of nearby but discordant. In addition, the two-way tight-knit pattern significantly can decrease gender differences in depression symptoms. The contributors should be taken into account in more targeted intervention strategies for narrowing gender differences in the depression symptoms, which could achieve a gender dividend in the era of China's aging population.

A Technology-Supported Psychoeducational Intervention for Older Adults and Their Families to Improve Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Intergenerational Connectedness-A Randomized Controlled Study.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) provide digital tools to support and facilitate social engagement. However, the extent to which new ICTs, such as instant messaging, and training on its use, enhance intergenerational family interactions and reduce social isolation and loneliness needs further exploration. In the present study, we developed a brief psychoeducational intervention to promote older adults and their family members (N = 64) to use new technologies to increase communication with each other. With a randomized controlled trial design, we evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention in changing primarily participants' intergenerational interactions, perceived social isolation, and loneliness. Through repeated-measures analysis of variance, an overall condition by time effect was found in younger family members such that contact frequency improved in the intervention condition compared with the waitlist control condition. Using a dyadic framework, we further investigated the role of the intervention in fostering interactions among family members. Dyadic analyses showed a partner effect with contact frequency in younger adults at pre-assessment predicting contact frequency of older adults at post-assessment. This suggests that support and encouragement from younger family members could increase intergenerational interactions and technology adoption among older adults. Moreover, online phone calls served as a promising tool to enhance intergenerational communication; higher user satisfaction was associated with increased ICT use, perceived usefulness, and fewer barriers to technology. This study provides preliminary findings on the effectiveness of ICT-based interventions for engaging older adults and their family members in the use of newer technologies to promote intergenerational interactions and reduce social isolation.

Preschool and elementary school teachers’ stereotypes and views of older adults

ABSTRACT The stereotyping of older adults shapes our society and has significant implications for our future as an aging population. While considerable research addresses negative stereotypes across various contexts, a notable gap exists regarding teachers’ stereotypes. Given teachers’ unique role as agents of change, this quantitative study utilized a survey method to investigate the stereotypes and views of 236 preschool and elementary school teachers concerning older adults, along with factors influencing these stereotypes, such as age, gender, frequency, and nature of interaction with older adults, and aging anxiety. The Older Adult Stereotypes Questionnaire and the Anxiety about Aging Scale, supplemented with custom questions, were employed. Findings revealed that the participants generally exhibited a tendency to hold negative stereotypes about older adults. Positive stereotypes and views were linked to the perceived importance of interactions and coherence of views with older adults, while high aging anxiety correlated with negative stereotypes and views. Notably, the older teachers and the female teachers with high aging anxiety displayed more negative views regarding older adults. These findings suggest that age and gender should be considered when designing interventions to address teachers’ negative stereotypes and reduce their anxiety about aging. Also, with new educational policies, more opportunities for intergenerational interaction should be provided to build meaningful relationships among generations to promote a more inclusive and positive view of aging within the school environment. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering an age-inclusive education system and preparing future generations to value and respect older adults.

Assessment of state policy and legal framework related to enhancing the well-being of the elderly in Thailand

The ageing of society significantly influences the economic system and social stability and is a global challenge of the 21st century. The study aimed to explore ways to improve the quality of life of older people in the Lower Central Region of Thailand. The study was based on a qualitative approach and was conducted by collecting information from 8 key informants through structured interviews. The study substantiated the expediency of creating a centralised database to improve communication between all actors in the system of ensuring the welfare of the elderly, which improves the quality of services provided, contributes to a better basis for political decisions and promotes a more rational use of resources. The study noted that key respondents identify expanding access to healthcare, increasing financial assistance and strengthening social support systems to ensure the holistic well-being of older people as urgent problems in the region. The need for wider use of the latest technologies and the creation of an intelligent information management system in the area of elderly people’s welfare is emphasised in the study. Given the negative impact of social isolation on the quality of life of older people, particular attention is devoted to the effective management of senior clubs, namely the priority of various activities, intergenerational interaction and meaningful leisure to strengthen social ties and belonging to society. The integration of Buddhist principles and psychological theories is emphasised as an important tool for developing compassion, mindfulness and positive outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrated approaches and comprehensive measures to optimise care for older people and improve their well-being. The results of the study can be used to determine the content of information to be included in the centralised database and to develop an algorithm for exchanging information between its users

Chinese older adult educators’ attitudes toward aging and turnover intention: burnout as a mediator

ABSTRACT In the 21st century, with the spread of lifelong education and the increase in the aging population, the need for learning among older people has increased, resulting in a shortage of teachers for older learners. A literature review of both Western and Eastern cultures revealed that the turnover or shortage of older adult educators may be related to their attitudes toward aging and burnout. To confirm this hypothesis, this paper examines the mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between attitudes toward aging and turnover intentions among Chinese older adult educators. The Attitudes toward Aging Questionnaire, Turnover Intention Questionnaire, and Burnout Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Finally, a total of 774 samples from Shanghai, China, were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results revealed that when three components of attitudes toward aging, i.e. psychological growth, physical change, and psychosocial loss, are considered, burnout in Chinese older adult educators fully mediates the relationship between psychosocial loss and turnover intention, which means that if Chinese older adult educators suffer considerable psychosocial loss, burnout increases, leading to increased turnover intention. In other words, the negative experience of psychosocial loss can be decreased through a holistic approach to teaching aging along with intergenerational interaction, which in turn reduces burnout and decreases the intention to leave. Future follow-up studies should focus on how to develop a holistic teaching curriculum to facilitate the practical implementation of the findings of this research. We believe that this research can be beneficial with regard to attempts to address the shortage of older adult educators and promote teacher development in the context of older adult education.

Ageism Harms Older People's Health, Cognition, and Well-Being: A Selective Review and Policy Recommendations

Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards individuals based on their age, such as perceptions that someone is “too old” for certain activities. Ageism directed at older people is prevalent; over 90% of older people in the United States report that they regularly experience ageism, such as when others assume they are forgetful or need assistance because of their age. Experiencing ageism is associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced cognitive performance, and increased healthcare costs. Reducing ageism requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening anti-ageism laws and reframing societal narratives about what it means to grow older. Growing older should not be presented as a problem but as a fundamental part of the human journey. Ageism can also be reduced through positive intergenerational interactions and educational initiatives. Reducing ageism can promote healthier aging trajectories.

A biomarker of brain arousal mediates the intergenerational link between maternal and child post-traumatic stress disorder

This study examined whether there is a biological basis in the child's resting brain activity for the intergenerational link between maternal interpersonal violence-related posttraumatic stress disorder (IPV-PTSD) and child subclinical symptoms. We used high-density EEG recordings to investigate the resting brain activity in a sample of 57 children, 34 from mothers with IPV-PTSD, and 23 from mothers without PTSD. These children were part of a prospective, longitudinal study focusing on the offspring of mothers with and without IPV-PTSD, reporting how the severity of a mother's IPV-PTSD can impact her child's emotional regulation and risk for developing mental illness. However, we had not yet looked into potential EEG biomarkers during resting state that might mediate and/or moderate effects of maternal IPV-PTSD severity on child mental health, and in particular the risk for PTSD. The alpha band spectral power as well as the aperiodic exponent of the power spectrum (PLE; power-law exponent) were examined as mediators of maternal IPV-PTSD and child PTSD.While there was no difference in alpha spectral power between the two groups, PLE was significantly reduced in children of mothers with IPV-PTSD compared to control children, indicating cortical hyper-arousal. Interestingly, child PLE was negatively correlated with the severity of maternal IPV-PTSD, suggesting an intergenerational interaction. This interpretation was reinforced by a negative correlation between child PLE and child PTSD symptoms. Finally, causal analyses using structural equation modelling indicated that child PLE mediated the relationship between maternal PTSD severity and child PTSD. Our observations suggest that maternal IPV-PTSD has an intergenerational impact on the child neurobehavioral development through a correlated abnormal marker of brain arousal (i.e. child PLE). These findings are potentially relevant to psychotherapy research and to the development of more effective psycho-neurobehavioral therapies (i.e. neurofeedback) among affected individuals.

Robot-Mediated Intergenerational Childcare: Experimental Study Based on Health-Screening Task in Nursery School

Intergenerational interactions between children and older adults are gaining broader recognition because of their mutual benefits. However, such interactions face practical limitations owing to potential disease transmission and the poor health of older adults for face-to-face interactions. This study explores robot-mediated interactions as a potential solution to address these issues. In this study, older adults remotely controlled a social robot to perform a health-screening task for nursery school children, thereby overcoming the problems associated with face-to-face interactions while engaging in physical interactions. The results of this study suggested that the children responded favorably to the robot, and the rate of positive response increased over time. Older adults also found the task generally manageable and experienced a significant positive shift in their attitude toward children. These findings suggest that robot-mediated interactions can effectively facilitate intergenerational engagement and provide psychosocial benefits to both the parties to the engagement. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of robot-mediated interactions in childcare and other similar settings.

Взаимосвязь поколений в становлении ценностных систем обучающихся

В статье выделены риски, связанные с глобальной трансформацией мирового сообщества, приводящие к изменению ценностных систем и разрушению механизма преемственности опыта поколений. Автор отмечает, что сегодня в систему подготовки молодого поколения к жизни через коммуникативные провокации и технологии навязывания в Интернете ложных ценностей, все больше проникает неблагоприятный контент идеологии глобализма, ложного либерализма, экстремизма и неофашизма. Этот процесс способствует системному сбою в ключевом смысловом контексте образования и воспитания личности в целом. Автор размышляет о причинах и обозначает реальные возможности противостояния деструктивной идеологии и тревожным вызовам современного мира, через организацию воспитательной работы с подрастающими поколениями, формируя духовно-нравственные установки личности с учетом ориентации на фундаментальные знания и традиционные ценности. Традиционные ценности вбирают в себя все лучшее в духовной практике и реальной жизни человеческого сообщества, выступают основой стабильности, взаимодействия и взаимопонимания поколений, фундаментом развития межпоколенческих связей и, что особенно важно, созидательных взаимосвязей народов и культур. Исследование подтвердило, что именно механизм передачи опыта поколений, механизм преемственности и межпоколенческого взаимодействия является одним из ключевых механизмов налаживания смыслового и ценностного пространства целеполагания в воспитании личности сегодня. The article highlights the risks associated with the global transformation of the world community, leading to changes in value systems and the destruction of the mechanism of continuity of generational experience. The author notes that today in the system of preparing the young generation for life through communicative provocations and technologies of imposing false values on the Internet, the unfavorable content of the ideology of globalism, false liberalism, extremism and neo-fascism is increasingly penetrating. This process contributes to a systemic failure in the key semantic context of education and upbringing of the individual as a whole. The author reflects on the causes and identifies real opportunities to counter destructive ideology and alarming challenges of the modern world, through the organization of educational work with younger generations, forming the spiritual and moral attitudes of the individual, taking into account the orientation on fundamental knowledge and traditional values. Traditional values absorb all the best in the spiritual practice and real life of the human community, act as a basis for stability, interaction and mutual understanding of generations, the foundation for the development of intergenerational ties and, most importantly, creative interrelations of peoples and cultures. The study confirmed that it is the mechanism of transmission of generational experience, the mechanism of continuity and intergenerational interaction is one of the key mechanisms for establishing the meaning and value space of goal-setting in the education of personality today.

The Impact of Long-Term Care Insurance on Intergenerational Interaction Behavior Change in China

The Impact of Long-Term Care Insurance on Intergenerational Interaction Behavior Change in China

The contributions of grandparents to preadolescent grandchildren's social skills in rural Malaysia.

This study aimed to generate localized knowledge by investigating the perceptions and experiences of preadolescent grandchildren and grandparents regarding grandparenting and intergenerational interactions and how these processes were related to the social skills of preadolescents from three ethnic groups in Malaysia. Using a concurrent quantitative-qualitative mixed method research design, Chinese, Malay, and Indian preadolescents (N = 465; ages 9-12 years old; M = 10.27 years; SD = 1.03) from rural areas in Malaysia completed a self-administered quantitative survey; furthermore, 25 grandparents participated in one-on-one interviews. Survey findings showed that preadolescent grandchildren who reported higher grandparental warmth and support had greater social skills, mediated by positive grandparent-grandchildren (GP-GC) relationships. The GP-GC relationship and preadolescent social skills association was stronger for skipped generation compared to three-generation households. Interview findings revealed that grandparents expressed unconditional love and autonomy support in their grandparenting roles by guiding and encouraging their preadolescent grandchildren to make decisions. The GP-GC interactions served as a dynamic force in promoting preadolescents' social skills. By employing a decolonized approach and drawing on the lived experiences of grandparents from three ethnic backgrounds in rural Malaysia, the study provided an understanding of grandparenting practices and their general implications across the three ethnic groups. The interview responses highlighted both commonalities and specificities in grandparenting practices and relationship dynamics shaped by religious, class, and sociocultural dimensions in rural Malaysia.

The Effect of an Intergenerational Interaction Program on the Life Satisfaction, Social Support and Loneliness of the Elderly

The Effect of an Intergenerational Interaction Program on the Life Satisfaction, Social Support and Loneliness of the Elderly

Is matching or discrepancy between filial piety expectation and filial support better? The role of filial support of children and social support.

Filial piety in traditional Chinese culture is an essential variable in explaining intergenerational interaction. However, previous studies have not clarified whether older adults' filial responsibility expectations matched children's filial support and the effects of the filial discrepancy on their life satisfaction and loneliness. The latent profile analysis showed that older adults were divided into two groups: (1) high expectations and support, and (2) low expectations and support. The results showed that compared with older adults with low expectations and low support, those with high expectations and high support reported higher life satisfaction and lower loneliness. Additionally, social support played a moderating role in the effect of the groups of older adults on life satisfaction and loneliness. Our conclusion shows that filial support is an essential factor influencing older adult life satisfaction and loneliness, and social support is an effective supplement to filial support.

Analysis of the chain mediation effect between intergenerational support and mental health of older adults in urban China: a structural equation model.

This study aimed investigate the impact of intergenerational support on the mental health of older adults in urban China. It also sought to evaluate the chain mediation effect of attitudes toward younger people and willingness to interact with younger people within a non-familial context between intergenerational support and mental health. Data were derived from a community survey that adopted quota sampling in mainland China in 2022 (N = 780). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, and the bootstrap technique was used to test the mediation effect. A significant positive association was found between intergenerational support and the mental health of older adults in urban China (B = 0.852, 95% confidence interval CI [0.157,1.617]). Intergenerational support had a specific indirect effect on mental health through older adults' attitudes toward younger people within a non-familial context (B = 0.665, 95% CI [0.443,1.046]). There was a chain mediation effect (B = 0.126, 95% CI [0.069,0.224]) in relation to attitudes toward younger people and the willingness to interact with younger people between intergenerational support and mental health. Mediation accounted for 44.44% of the total effects in the model. These findings help identify modifiable factors that can improve the mental health of older adults. In line with the proposed serial multiple mediation model, this study provides theoretical and practical insights concerning the synergistic effect of intergenerational support at the family level and intergenerational interaction at the community level. Policy and social service implications are also discussed.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Intergenerational Learning on the Psychosocial Well-being of Primary School Children and Older Adults.

IntroductionIn recent times, there has been a growing emphasis on the significance of fostering intergenerational learning and interaction. This involves individuals from diverse age groups engaging in purposeful and mutually beneficial activities aimed at enhancing their knowledge, skills, and values.ObjectivesThis systematic review was undertaken to explore the psychosocial consequences of intergenerational learning experiences among primary school-age children and older adults.MethodsIn accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive review of both quantitative and qualitative data was conducted. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC were meticulously searched up to July 26, 2022, using the following Population (P) - Exposure (E) - Outcome (O) criteria: primary school-age children and older adults (P), participation in intergenerational learning (E), and psychosocial effects (O). Additionally, we extensively scrutinized the reference lists of included datasets and pertinent review articles (Figure 1). To evaluate the quality of the eligible studies, we employed the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data analysis was structured around a narrative synthesis approach.Results A total of seventeen studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. The findings regarding the psychosocial consequences of engaging in intergenerational activities for both children and older adults predominantly underscored positive improvements in their attitudes, well-being, happiness, and various other aspects of their social and psychological well-being, although certain methodological limitations were identified (Figure 2).Image:Image 2:ConclusionsPromoting intergenerational interactions and learning experiences holds promise as a means to enhance the overall quality of life and well-being for both younger and older members of our communities.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

O ANALIZĂ A UNOR LUCRĂRI DE REFERINȚĂ PRIVIND CONSECINȚELE STEREOTIPURILOR ȘI PREJUDECĂȚILOR LEGATE DE VÂRSTNIC

As individuals age, they face increasing vulnerability, compounded by negative stereotypes associated with aging and perceived health decline, contributing to an overall negative perception of old age (Bugental și Hehman, 2007). This systematic review investigates the consequences of age-related stereotypes and prejudices over a 10-year period (2010–2020). Analyzing specialized literature, it uncovers evidence on how stereotypes impact mental health, performance, memory, driving skills, and sexual activity, significantly affecting well-being, cognitive decline, and exerting notable neurological impacts. This study explores implications at individual and organizational levels, emphasizing the integration of older individuals into diverse groups for enhanced well-being and increased productivity. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting positive aging narratives, and implementing targeted interventions, such as educational programs and intergenerational interactions, to foster inclusivity and combat ageism in society. Acknowledging and addressing these issues can contribute to creating a more respectful, supportive, and age-friendly environment.

THE “CANCEL CULTURE” PHENOMENON IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTION

The object of the study is intergenerational interaction in the digital era. The relevance of the study is due to the influence of the digitalization processes of modern society and the instability of the value-normative system of various social groups differentiated by age. The work analyzes the attitude towards the values shared by the older generation of the Russian Federation in the era of digitalization in a new phenomenon of «cancel culture» context. Based on the study of the «cancel culture» concept through the most resonant examples of Western and domestic cultures an attempt is made to rethink intergenerational relationships within the modern social changes framework. The study demonstrates changing attitudes towards Russian culture in the West as well as a change in views on values in the latest political, cultural and social realities context. Changes are also taking place in the relationship between older and younger (digital) generations. The phenomenon of «cancel culture» borrowed from Western cultures significantly influences the attitude of other states to foundations of historical memory through attempts to devalue the achievements and values of previous generations and «cancel» them. It has been established that in the transformations of modern society context, its digitalization, it is necessary to strengthen the interaction of generations and prevent the «cancellation» of the values of the older generation strengthening the national culture traditions. This study has practical significance and can be used for social work with young people, the elderly, and for the formation of social policy, for the prevention of the breakdown of intergenerational ties.