Intergenerational Interaction Research Articles

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.

Intergenerational Interaction, Financial Well-Being, and Ageism in Kazakhstan During Covid Pandemic

ABSTRACT As the age of a population increases, different problems arise in a society, which inevitably leads to ageism. The introduction of extraordinary measures to protect the older adults during COVID-19 further exacerbated the complexity of ageism and led to worsened financial well-being for households. This study aims to determine the financial and other factors associated with different ageist attitudes. 286 respondents from Kazakhstan participated in the online study, and the hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated a strong relationship between economic status and ageist behaviors. Moreover, COVID was positively associated with unfavorable ageist attitudes, whereas experience with older people reduces negative perceptions toward older people. Contribution: The results add new evidence to the intergenerational research that investigated ageism triggers. It suggests that financial well-being is one of the main components of negative ageist behavior, while it does not have an impact on positive one.

Addressing health challenges in rural Japan: a thematic analysis of social isolation and community solutions

BackgroundThe establishment of sustainable connections between medical professionals and rural citizens is pivotal for effective community healthcare. Our study focuses on understanding and resolving health problems arising from social isolation, a critical barrier to achieving this goal, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic's impact on community dynamics respecting social cognitive theory. This study investigates the link between social isolation and rural community healthcare. We aim to develop methods that improve interaction and collaboration between healthcare providers and rural communities, ultimately enhancing the region's healthcare system.MethodsEmploying thematic analysis based on social cognitive theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 57 community workers in rural communities. This qualitative approach enabled us to delve into the nuances of social isolation and its multifaceted impact on health and community well-being.ResultsOur analysis revealed four key themes: the impact of aging on social dynamics, shifts in community relationships, unique aspects of rural community networking, and the role of these networks in driving community health. Notably, we identified specific challenges, such as the erosion of intergenerational interactions and the hesitancy to seek support, exacerbated by social isolation and negatively impacting community health.ConclusionsOur study reveals the complex factors affecting rural community sustainability, particularly social isolation influenced by privacy concerns and changing social dynamics. Emphasizing the importance of social cognitive theory, it highlights the need for adaptable healthcare systems and strong community-medical collaborations. Future research should focus on developing culturally sensitive, practical strategies for enhancing these collaborations, especially involving physicians, to address rural communities' unique challenges.

Interactions Between Generations in Digital Literacy Education: A Case of Millennial Families in Suli, Central Maluku

This article addresses the issue of digital literacy as an essential basic need, yet there are still significant disparities in technology access and low digital literacy prevalent. To this end, the article explores the intergenerational interaction in digital literacy education among millennial families in Negeri Suli, Central Maluku. The aim of this research is to describe the patterns of intergenerational interaction in the context of digital literacy. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies from 10 millennial families in Negeri Suli. The primary informants involved 10 family members, as well as the King who serves as the village head, traditional leader, Saniri, and a teacher at SD XX school. The findings indicate that intergenerational interaction in digital literacy education encompasses imparting digital technology knowledge and skills to both the Z generations and baby boomers generations. This enables them to support previous generations in facing the digital era and strengthens intergenerational communication. The effectiveness of digital literacy education in schools was found through experiential-based teaching approaches and curriculum integration, successfully reducing generational gaps. Moreover, digital literacy is recognized as a crucial component in UNESCO's long-term plan for the future of education. Through digital literacy campaigns, family members are empowered to enhance their analytical abilities in leveraging digital technology optimally.

Grandmother effects over the Finnish demographic transition.

Demographic transitions are defining events for human societies, marking shifts from natural mortality and fertility rates to the low rates seen in industrialised populations. These transitions can affect trait evolution through altering the direction and strength of selection when variance in fertility and mortality decline. One key feature of human evolution is the evolution of extended post-reproductive life through indirect fitness benefits from grandmothering. Although studies in pre- and post-transition societies have documented beneficial grandmother presence, it remains unknown whether these associations changed before, during, or after the transition. Here, we use genealogical data from eighteenth- to twientieth-century Finland to show grandmother-associated changes of two measures of evolutionary fitness (grandchild survival and birth rate) over the transition. We find that grandmothers had greater opportunity to help as the transition progressed, but their effect on grandchild survival declined alongside general mortality rates, implying that selection on lifespan from grandmothering declined too. Whilst grandmother presence was still associated with reduced birth intervals and hence more grandchildren born post-transition, the nature of this relationship changed greatly. This suggests that although potential for intergenerational interactions increased over the demographic transition, the (hypothesised) evolutionary importance of these interactions declined, which reduced selection for extended post-reproductive lifespan.

Intergenerational Interactions as a Factor of Preservation of Demographic Behavior

Intergenerational Interactions as a Factor of Preservation of Demographic Behavior

Direct Observations of Intergenerational Visits and Activities at Six Local Recreational Parks in Victoria, Australia.

This study was an observational design using direct observations of park visitors over three consecutive months and an intercept survey of a subsample of older visitors in six community parks in Victoria, Australia. The number of visitors, activity interaction, type of accompaniment (e.g.,intergenerational, family, group), and physical activity level were recorded and reported descriptively. A total of 5,373 visitors were observed with 43.3% (n = 2,327) children and 10% (n = 537) older people. Most visitors attended with company (55.9%-97.7%), with older people's most common accompaniments being intergenerational groups (n = 164, 30.5%). Within the observed intergenerational instances, 35% were older people and 45.1% children. Most people from all age groups were observed to be physically active (≥78%). Survey respondents (n = 48) reported attending the park alone (47.9%) or with company (e.g.,22.9% grandchildren, 12.5% a partner/friend). Approximately a third of respondents reported exercising with their grandchildren in the designated space. A large proportion of older visitors were observed with intergenerational accompaniment in local parks, with most grandparents and their grandchildren observed to be physically active. The active spaces, which include multigenerational outdoor equipment, may be an attractive setting for both children and older adults to foster intergenerational interaction and engagement in physical activity.

Exploring Intergenerational Interactions Through an Online Storytelling Experience

Intergenerational games to be played by grandparents and their grandchildren can be mutually beneficial for both age groups: breaking with age stereotypes, linking the learning and leisure needs of both generations and encouraging communication, solidarity, and social connectedness between generations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to switch from co-located physical intergenerational play to online experiences. This type of experience, in which grandparents connect from their own houses to participate, represents a challenge in terms of recruiting participants and carrying out the online sessions, due to grandparents' technological insecurities and their reluctance to play videogames. Besides, intergenerational games have to be carefully designed to promote symmetrical interactions, fun and engagement on the part of both age groups as well as to develop easy to use interfaces. In this work, we present an online storytelling game designed to be played by family teams formed by grandparents and their grandchildren. The guidelines followed, the assessment tools designed to evaluate the intergenerational dynamics and the emotions that arise during the experience are also presented. Results of the three online sessions carried out are presented and discussed.

“Let’s Just Forget It!”

Abstract Using recorded interactions between nursing home residents and care staff, this study demonstrates interactional strategies of younger recreation workers during a weekly recreational activity named Tea Time Talk that serves to reduce generational as well as epistemic gaps with the residents. This study focuses on how older residents’ reference to memory loss or forgetfulness is deindividuated and trivialized by humorously framing it as something the participants can forget together. I will claim that such intergenerational interactions on a regular basis help create solidarity between the residents and nursing home staff, as well as maintain dignity of and respect towards the older residents who often experience a sense of exclusion from the ‘here and now’ which affects their life satisfaction at the end-of-life stage.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKFORCE: PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER WORKERS AND RETIREES

Abstract Workforce diversity can be a major asset for personal, interpersonal, and economic development. Age diversity is prevalent with five generations currently represented in the workforce. Intergenerational tension is common, however, largely fueled by stereotypes centered on age and generation that can infiltrate all workplace processes. Working from the Age-Friendly University framework, our aim was to gather qualitative data to inform the development of a training program for college students, pairing information on age-related bias with opportunities for meaningful intergenerational exchange to mimic workplace interactions. We hosted three community-based focus groups with adults ranging from 60-69 years of age who were either currently employed or recently retired (N = 10) to discuss their intergenerational interactions in the workplace. Participants had an average of 41.06 years of work experience and worked across multiple industries, most commonly administrative work, food services, government, and healthcare. The most common theme reported was the dismissal of participants’ work experience by their younger colleagues, which some equated to a lack of respect due to their age, and others painted as a breakdown in communication. Technology was highlighted as exasperating intergenerational tensions. Participants also reported that younger colleagues often approached them for general life advice, which helped to reduce tensions. The willingness to see the value of older adults’ wisdom in general, but not specific to the work at hand, has implications for the content and structure of future career-readiness training programs. Recommendations for enhancing positive intergenerational exchanges and reducing generational tensions within the workplace will be discussed.

BUILDING BRIDGES TO BETTER INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract Intergenerational relationships are necessary to prepare the workforce for careers in the field of gerontology. Intergenerational interaction and reflection have been shown to result in valuable skills, such as positive attitudes toward older adults, increased knowledge of aging and needs of older adults, genuine relationships with older adults and a greater appreciation for older generations, greater comfort with the idea of themselves aging, and high satisfaction when embedded into course curriculum. Intergenerational contact in the structure of undergraduate courses also has reciprocal benefits, such as recognizing commonalities, building appreciation and trust, and creating a sense of belonging between generations that can be lasting. Building on empirical evidence, an intensive three-week intergenerational relationships course for first year students using intentional integration with general education goals, while also training students in basic understanding of aging is described here. Students collaborated with the college’s Academy of Senior Professionals, a unique community of retired older adults engaged in lifelong learning, to develop a college-wide intergenerational event. Considerations, outcomes, and lessons learned will be reviewed.

ENGAGING STRATEGIES IN CLASSES, COMMUNITIES, AND RESEARCH

Abstract Educators can use community engaged learning (CEL), also known as service learning, to empower all ages, bridging both college students and older adults needs. With the wrong approach, service just attached to a course may reinforce negative stereotypes. To assure best practice, educators benefit from CEL competencies to promote positive learning and avoid reinforcing ageism. Competencies, based on a community-engaged taxonomy, include: Reciprocal partnerships, Diversity of interactions and dialogue,​ Community activities, Civic competencies, Critical reflection, and Assessment (Rathlef, 2022; Kecskes, 2015). A complete explanation of each competency will be explained and illustrated. Using the competencies as a framework, two specific programs with college students and older adults were evaluated using both formative and summative measures. One program, a virtual intergenerational interaction, lasted seven weeks. The second program, an in-person program at the University’s equestrian and nature center, spanned five weeks. Pre and post comparisons of civic learning outcomes using CLEO, written reflections, focus group discussion, and partner perspectives were analyzed. Older adults reported some improvement in social interaction and companionship with some expansion in social networks. Students significantly improved civic knowledge outcomes. The students’ written reflections revealed a self-reported change in attitude toward older adults. Students also expressed a shift in their perceptions of future work in a health setting with older adults. Community-engaged learning can empower all ages, but an educator’s attention to the competencies supporting best practice can make a significant difference to the outcome of these efforts.

“IT’S NOT THE DESTINATION BUT THE JOURNEY”: PERSPECTIVES AND ADVICE ON WISDOM

Abstract While wisdom has been a common topic of contemplation for hundreds of years, a common theme in the wisdom literature relates to how wisdom is acquired through experiences. However, others have found that it can also be developed through individual factors, such as cognition, emotional intelligence, and personality, and cultivated through social interactions and self-reflection. Older adults have more experience than those of any other generation, giving them the time to develop the individual factors associated with wisdom and the skills to cultivate it. Given their unique social position, older adults are thus most qualified to share wisdom. In attempts to capitalize on the wisdom of older adults, the study uses survey data from adults aged 55 and better to examine how older adults characterize wisdom, it’s association with age, and how it can be achieved. Data was collected using surveys administered through the Survey Monkey Platform and the Mather Institute Research Panel. Findings indicate that most older adults believe that wisdom increases with age. They further believe that wise individuals accept their limitations, are realists, have developed strong relationships with others, and seem in control of their lives. Older adults believe that wisdom can primarily be achieved by making mistakes, interacting with people who are different, experiencing adversity, and trying new things. Understanding the ways in which older adults perceive wisdom can be used to enhance intergenerational interactions that are mutually beneficial.

A reflection on the intergenerational maps project as pedagogical performance

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the intergenerational maps project that set out to map the Brimbank and Moonee Valley residents' awareness of their favourite aspects of their local community. In reflecting on the way this project enabled local knowledge exchanges between different age groups, the paper examines the way intergenerational interactions become pedagogical and make public and public pedagogy visible.Design/methodology/approachThis research paper employs the theoretical and methodological framework of performance (Charman and Dixon, 2021) to read the author's experience with the intergenerational maps project. Insights gained from performance framework are shared to illuminate the complexity of public pedagogy and its entanglement with place, public and knowledge.FindingsThe critical reflection on the author's encounter with a pedagogical event points to the importance of using a new theorisation of public pedagogy (Charman and Dixon, 2021) as a useful generative method to guide the reading, learning and research within the fields of public pedagogy and intergenerational relations.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this paper centres on its deployment of a new theorisation of public pedagogy as a useful framework for studying intergenerational interactions. This places these intergenerational interactional dynamics in the field of public pedagogy and can be practically applied to further develop desirable public pedagogical practices within the arena of public pedagogy.Originality/valueThe paper offers a subjective interpretation of the author's experience with an intergenerational interaction project and presents an application of a theoretical framework to read events as pedagogical performances that brings insights into the pedagogical potential of these public performances.

New rural pension scheme, intergenerational interaction and rural family human capital investments.

The new rural pension scheme (NRPS) can improve the quality of life for rural older adult individuals; however, can it have a spillover effect on rural household human capital investments through intergenerational interactions? Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 and from the perspective of intergenerational interactions, the spillover effect and influencing mechanism of the new rural insurance policy on rural household human capital investments are empirically tested. The results show that the participation of families in the new rural insurance policy can significantly promote the human capital investments of rural families, and they are robust. Moreover, the spillover effect of this new policy is significantly different due to the gender, insurance phase, and family income of the insured. Through intergenerational interactions, the new rural insurance policy has an impact on the human capital investments of rural families from the material level of intergenerational economic support, housework and childcare for children and the nonmaterial level of old-age care cognition. Therefore, continuing to promote the coverage of the new rural insurance policy and scientifically improving rural social security through publicity and education to promote benign intergenerational family interactions can improve the accumulation of human capital in rural areas.

The role of embodied scaffolding in revealing "enactive potentialities" in intergenerational science exploration.

Although adults are known to play an important role in young children's development, little work has focused on the enactive features of scaffolding in informal learning settings, and the embodied dynamics of intergenerational interaction. To address this gap, this paper undertakes a microinteractional analysis to examine intergenerational collaborative interaction in a science museum setting. The paper presents a fine-grained moment-by-moment analysis of video-recorded interaction of children and their adult carers around science-themed objects. Taking an enactive cognition perspective, the analysis enables access to subtle shifts in interactants' perception, action, gesture, and movement to examine how young children engage with exhibits, and the role adult action plays in supporting young children's engagement with exhibits and developing ideas about science. Our findings demonstrate that intergenerational "embodied scaffolding" is instrumental in making "enactive potentialities" in the environment more accessible for children, thus deepening and enriching children's engagement with science. Adult action is central to revealing scientific dimensions of objects' interaction and relationships in ways that expose novel types of perception and action opportunities in shaping science experiences and meaning making. This has implications for science education practices since it foregrounds not only "doing" science, through active hands-on activities, but also speaks to the interconnectedness between senses and the role of the body in thinking. Drawing on the findings, this paper also offers design implications for informal science learning environments.

Social Governance and Sustainable Development in Elderly Services: Innovative Models, Strategies, and Stakeholder Perspectives

Introduction: The global demographic shift towards an aging population has created an urgent need for high-quality elderly care services. This study focuses on “elder services” within the framework of sustainable development, addressing seniors with intensive care needs and independent seniors. Methods—Social Governance: To understand the social governance aspects, we employ a qualitative methodology, analyzing policy documents, novel care methods, and successful case studies. Sustainable Development: Simultaneously, our study investigates sustainable development, examining the methods used to promote sustainability in geriatric care. Research Question: Our research question centers on identifying strategies that foster inclusivity and sustainability in elder services, considering diverse needs, housing, community involvement, and the role of technology. Results: We identified innovative models aimed at improving the well-being of older individuals, including community-driven initiatives, technology-assisted solutions, holistic wellness programs, intergenerational interaction programs, and the integration of traditional and modern care methods. We explored stakeholder perspectives, providing insights into the complexities of implementing effective elderly care solutions. Our study evaluated the efficiency of diversified social governance models in geriatric care, highlighting their benefits compared to traditional models. We presented specific concerns and suggestions from stakeholders regarding sustainable development in geriatric care. Discussion: Our findings underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance elderly care. Our study summarizes key insights from current policies and anticipated future trajectories in geriatric care, providing a foundation for developing sustainable elderly care facilities.

Designing for Intergenerational Communication among Older Adults: A Systematic Inquiry in Old Residential Communities of China’s Yangtze River Delta

Presently, a substantial majority of older individuals in urban regions of China prefer to inhabit older residential communities over newer counterparts. Within these aging communities, the intricate matter of intergenerational communication among older adults presents a complex and multifaceted issue that warrants comprehensive investigation from a systematic perspective. This paper first employs the observational method to study multiple old residential communities in a city in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. The POEMS framework and the AEIOU framework are applied, focusing on the analysis of individuals and the interaction between individuals and objects, respectively. Semistructured interviews are then conducted with three groups of people, emphasizing community participation by older adults, intergenerational interaction from the perspective of older adults, and intergenerational interaction from the perspective of young people. Finally, the paper categorizes the types and characteristics of individuals in the old communities, identifying the intersections between these groups. The current social situation of older adults and young people is summarized, including behavioral and psychological characteristics and social interaction challenges. Based on these findings, ten system design directions to enhance intergenerational interaction in old communities are proposed, and three of these system design directions are further developed.

Do urban educational resources affect corporate labor costs?

Although researchers have extensively documented the effect of urban educational resources on families and individuals, the impact of these resources on corporate decision-making remains underexplored. Hence, this study uses the imbalance in urban educational resources across China to examine the effect of these resources on corporate labor costs. We gather data from publicly listed companies in China from 2003 to 2018 to examine this relationship. We find that urban educational resources have a causal and negative influence on labor costs. We further show that urban educational resources affect employee remuneration via the employee turnover channel. The impact is more prominent in firms with high employee bargaining power, cities with low barriers to settlement, and privately owned companies. Overall, this study combines intergenerational interactions with compensation incentives to provide new evidence on how employees can obtain compensation for their families’ education costs.

Intergenerational Interactions and Relationship Quality: A Daily Study Among Mothers and Their Adult Children.

The parent-child relationship is one of the most long-lasting relationships in human life. Such relationship is particularly adaptive during public health emergencies that threaten human life. However, few studies have examined the effects of daily exchanges in support between aging parents and adult children on the relationship quality during public health emergencies. Using data collected during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we examined the relationship between daily support and relationship quality among middle-aged and older mothers and adult children. Seventy-seven dyads of middle-aged and older mothers (age range: 44-80 years, Mage = 53.78, SDage = 9.57) and adult children (age range: 18-54 years, Mage = 26.61, SDage = 9.46) participated in the study. They reported their daily exchanges with the other (i.e., support they had received from and given to each other) and daily relationship quality (i.e., relationship satisfaction and trust) each day for 14 consecutive days. The perception of being underbenefited on Day N was associated with daily relationship satisfaction on the concurrent day in children but not mothers. It was associated with daily trust toward the relationship partner in both mothers and children on Day N. Both providing and receiving more support on Day N was associated with better relationship satisfaction for both mothers and children on Day N. Only receiving (not providing) more support on Day N was associated with greater trust toward the partner on Day N for both mothers and children. The time-lagged associations were not significant. The findings highlight the importance of daily reciprocity and daily support exchanges on relationship quality during a public health emergency.