Intergenerational Programs Research Articles

Dr. Sally Newman’s Support for Establishing the Japan Intergenerational Unity Association (JIUA), and the History of Its Developments in Organizing the Japan Society for Intergenerational Studies (JSIS)

ABSTRACT This article highlights the early development of organizations in Japan focused on intergenerational programs, emphasizing Dr. Sally Newman’s significant contributions. It begins with an email Dr. Newman, Director of Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh, sent to Dr. Atsuko Kusano in Tokyo in March 2003, which led to a lecture and a subsequent visit in the fall of that year. At a dinner party, attendees recognized the need for the Japan Intergenerational Unity Association (JIUA), founded in May 2004 and officially becoming a nonprofit in 2006. JIUA, in collaboration with Shinshu University and Pennsylvania State University, hosted the “Uniting the Generations” conference, attracting over 300 participants from nine countries. Follow-up meetings resulted in the creation of the Japan Society for Intergenerational Studies (JSIS) in June 2010, which now has over 200 members, holds annual conferences, and publishes journals twice a year.

The social convoy for depression among the older adults in rural China: A multilevel structural equation modeling analysis using a national sample

Rural older adults experience significant mental and physical health challenges. Social convoy theory offers insights into this by assuming functional limitations as antecedent factors of depression through multiple social-related levels. The combined panel data from 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (1,354 individuals with 5,416 responses) was utilized to address the above assumption. The multilevel structural equation modeling was employed to examine whether social activity participation and parent-child interaction mediate the relationship between functional limitations and depressive symptoms at multiple levels. The results indicated that the mediation effects existed only at the between-person level. Specifically, older adults with more functional limitations participated in less social activity, leading to more depressive symptoms, but engaged in more parent-child interaction, reducing depressive symptoms. At the within-person level, depressive symptoms in a given older adult were correlated with functional limitations. In years with greater limitations, older adults participated less in both social activity and parent-child interaction. Interventions should be tailored to older adults’ functional limitations, focusing on social activities for those with typically greater limitations, intergenerational programs for those with fewer limitations, and a combination of both for those experiencing significant increases in limitations.

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.

Implementing Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences (PEACE) Model into an Undergraduate Therapeutic Recreation Course

Studying aging is vital for therapeutic recreation students due to several compelling factors, like an increasing ag-ing population, prevalence of ageism in society, and ris-ing numbers of recreational therapists providing services to older adults. In addition to educating students about the aging process, faculty members have the opportunity to develop innovative approaches within the therapeu-tic recreation curriculum to highlight how older adults contribute positively to society. Additionally, recreational therapists involved in developing intergenerational pro-grams have a unique opportunity to facilitate positive connections between younger and older adults. This manuscript aimed to present how the Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences (PEACE) model was infused into an undergraduate therapeutic recre-ation course about aging and used to help design and im-plement two intergenerational service-learning projects.

Solidaridad Intergeneracional y Salud Mental en Educación Superior: Programas Intergeneracionales

This study is a reflexive method practice that pretends to improve the teaching-learning processes through experience and the use of theory. This is how intergenerational programs based on solidarity and dialogue are approached as a support tool for a problem that is evident in the classrooms and that has an impact on the class dynamics, as well as on the academic student's achievement and their mental health. Day after day, significant problems such as depression, anxiety, and suicide in young students are increasing. Therefore, it is proposed a theorical and exploration approach by addressing the axes of reflective practice: professional scenario, personal experience, and reflection, visualizing the viability of intergenerational programs proposed by the authors approaching as critical- reflective prototypes from which there are undoubtedly several actions and lines of research to work, to achieve the validation and creation of this in the future. Taking as a case study the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, where we seek to have a first approach to make a proposal related to intergenerational programs at higher education Institutions. With this theorical approach and multiple readings from international solidarity, dialogue, and existing programs from other parts of the world, the evidence allows us to think that this knowledge's proposal, development, and application enable the teachers to position themselves as an active agent of transformation and formation.

The Effects of the Connecting All Generations Through the Gerontech (CARETech) Program on Motivating Young People to Enter the Elderly Care Sector

PurposeThis study aims to organize an intergenerational program to provide unemployed young people with operational skills related to gerontechnology and the experience required to deliver digital outreach rehabilitation services to community-dwelling older people. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The young participants received a 12-session training program on the management of common chronic diseases, communication with older people, the functions and use of interactive games, and techniques to teach and match interactive games with older people. The perception of elderly outcomes (i.e., knowledge and attitude toward elderly care, willingness to care for the elderly), personal outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, self-efficacy), and desired vocational outcomes (i.e., hours worked in the nongovernmental organization’s center, hours spent with older people) were evaluated preprogram and postprogram. ResultsFifty-one young people joined the program. A statistically significant improvement was seen from preprogram to postprogram in their willingness to care for the elderly (p = .016) and life satisfaction (p = .005), as well as in the number of hours that they spent in the community center volunteering or engaged in social services for older people. DiscussionThe findings proved that the program could improve the willingness of young people to care for older people, as well as improve their own life satisfaction. Using gerontechnology can serve to bridge the intergenerational gap and bring benefits to both young adults and older people. It may provide policy makers with a way to address the manpower shortage in elderly care services and help frail older people to age in place.

Understanding benefits of a college student-homebound adult partnership program to support aging in place: An exploratory study

The need for effective approaches to support aging and homebound adults is recognized internationally and domestically. This exploratory study sought to understand the proximal benefits of an intergenerational program in Delaware, USA that connected homebound individuals with college students. The primary goal was to describe program impacts on home-bound community residents to inform future research, program planning, and implementation. Outcomes of interest included quality of life, well-being, and independence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants recruited from a nonprofit partner. Findings yielded seven unique themes: emotional fulfillment, special feelings of support from a rare “unconditional” relationship, assistance with tasks, close connection with someone not ordinarily met, intergenerational understanding, someone to talk to, and appreciation. Additionally, the research team applied the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework, to contextualize the approach and findings. Results inform future evaluation efforts of homebound visiting programs, which may seek to incorporate outcome indicators aligned with these themes and serve as a foundation for future quantitative measures of impact.

Impact of an intergenerational program to improve loneliness and social isolation in older adults initiated at the time of emergency department discharge: study protocol for a three-arm randomized clinical trial

BackgroundSocial isolation and loneliness (SIL) worsens mortality and other outcomes among older adults as much as smoking. We previously tested the impact of the HOW R U? intervention using peer support from similar-aged volunteers and demonstrated reduced SIL among older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED). Generativity, defined as “the interest in establishing and guiding the next generation,” can provide an alternative theoretical basis for reducing SIL via intergenerational programs between members of younger and older generations. The current protocol will examine the impact of younger intergenerational volunteers providing the HOW RU? intervention.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, we will compare the following three arms: (1) the standard same-generation peer support HOW R U? intervention, (2) HOW R U? intervention delivered by intergenerational volunteers, and (3) a common wait-list control group. Outcome assessors will be blinded to the intervention. Trained volunteers will deliver 12 weekly telephone support calls. We will recruit participants ≥ 70 years of age with baseline loneliness (six-item De Jong loneliness score of 2 or greater) from two EDs. Research staff will assess SIL, depression, quality of life, functional status, generativity, and perceived benefit at baseline, at 12 weeks, and 24 weeks post-intervention.DiscussionWe hypothesize participants receiving the intergenerational intervention will show improved outcomes compared to the control group and peer support HOW R U? intervention. We also hypothesize that participants with higher perceptions of generativity will have greater reductions in SIL than their lower generativity counterparts. Aging is experienced diversely, and social interventions combatting associated SIL should reflect that diversity. As part of a program of research following the Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model, the findings of this RCT will be used to define which intervention characteristics are most effective in reducing SIL.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05998343 Protocol ID:21-0074E. Registered on 24 July 2023.

Impact of Intergenerational Shokuiku (Food and Nutrition Education) Programs on Alleviating Loneliness in Japanese Communities across Ages.

As loneliness is a risk factor for mental and physical health problems in various age groups, this study aimed to explore the impact of the intergenerational Shokuiku (food and nutrition education) program (IGSP) on loneliness in a Japanese community. This single-arm intervention study conducted between 2022 and 2023 included children (n = 21), guardians (n = 16), university students (n = 3), and older adults (n = 6). The IGSP was a one-day program that included participants making and eating their own bread, butter, and sorbet. Loneliness was measured using the Five-item Loneliness Scale for Children (Five-LSC; Japanese) and the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (Japanese; for adults) with other direct questions. Social capital, including civic participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity, was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The Five-LSC score significantly decreased post-intervention (p = 0.04). There was a significant increase in adults who reported not feeling lonely (p = 0.001). However, the UCLA Loneliness Scale scores did not show any significant changes. A positive change in social cohesion, including community contribution (p = 0.001) and attachment (p = 0.002), was observed among adults. This study suggests that IGSPs have a positive impact on loneliness in children and a partly positive one in adults. These findings emphasize the potential of intergenerational programs to reduce loneliness in communities.

THE PRACTICE OF PROVIDING PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE AND HUMANITARIAN CENTER FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN SLOVAKIA

Relevance. Universities of the third age (U3A) are institutions aimed at the post-labor socialization of the older generation, aimed at realizing the idea of "Education throughout life", which, unfortunately, have not become particularly widespread in Ukraine. All the more interesting is the experience of creating such an institution at the beginning of the war by Ukrainian specialists who ended up in Slovakia, and the generalization of the features of their interdisciplinary work on psychological support and social therapy of elderly Ukrainian refugees who are abroad. Methodology. As part of the implementation of the project "Social and psychological assistance for children and adults" on the initiative of the NGO "League of Mental Health" (Slovakia), a University of the Third Age for elderly refugees from Ukraine was established in the city of Gabchykovo. Its activity is based on interdisciplinary, person-oriented and integrative approaches and principles of trust, mutual assistance, tolerant attitude towards the elderly. Sample: 15 people aged 62 - 80 years. Methods. The Spielberger-Khanin (1976) method, conversations, individual, couple, group consultations, occupational therapy, art therapy, social and educational therapy for the elderly; intergenerational programming program for children and the elderly. The results. During the 5 months of work of the team of specialists at U3A, a favorable psychological climate was created; adaptation of the elderly to existence in a local foreign-language environment was carried out; their family conflicts were resolved; integrative classes for the elderly with children were implemented in the center for refugees, which contributed to the development of tolerance and mutual understanding between the two generations. These measures ensured a reduction in the manifestations of stress and anxiety of the study participants, and the steady development of the cognitive and creative spheres of the elderly participants of the U3A.

The Intergenerational Program Evaluation Tool: Results of a Delphi Study

ABSTRACT Intergenerational programs innovate constantly, but tools to evaluate them lag. Measures vary across programs and usually concentrate on outcomes without attending to programming dimensions that could influence results. Such features limit generalizability and comprehension of the mechanisms by which intergenerational programs achieve their objectives. Building on theory and evidence, we developed an evaluation tool for practitioners and researchers to use as a standalone evaluation tool or in conjunction with other measures. The current paper presents results of a Delphi study used to refine the Intergenerational Program Evaluation Tool (IPET) and establish its face and content validity. Results reinforce preexisting scholarship identifying the IPET as a reliable, valid tool that will help intergenerational scholars promote evidence-based practices and assess their impact on varied goals pursued through shared programming. We describe potential uses of the tool and next steps to advance its adoption through implementation research and psychometric assessment.

Intergenerational Programmes for Integrated Care and Lifelong Education: Potential Pathways and Practical Challenges in Mainland China

Intergenerational Programmes for Integrated Care and Lifelong Education: Potential Pathways and Practical Challenges in Mainland China

Aging Population in China: A Public Policy Perspective

In China, with the unprecedented trend of the aging population, the elderlys life satisfaction and subjective well-being tend to be ignored as studies reveal that more than 81.3% of the Chinese population aged over 60 was at risk of multimorbidity. To make appropriate interventions, this paper investigates the efficacy of existing applications of gerontechnology and intergenerational programs with research that utilized photovoice or photo-elicitation methods that evaluate the age-friendliness of communities and cities. The results revealed that gerontechnology, intergenerational programs, and photovoice or photo-elicitation studies were gaining popularity worldwide; however, China was still in its infancy. Hence, further cooperation between government organizations, healthcare agencies, educational institutions, and other related industries should be the direction for China to focus on.

Land2Lab Project: Reflections on Learning about Mi'kmaw Foodways.

Land2Lab is an evolving community-based intergenerational program that brings together Elders and youth on the land and in the kitchen and lab to share and celebrate Mi'kmaw foodways. Rooted in an Etuaptmumk-Two Eyed Seeing (E-TES) perspective, which acknowledges both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, the project to date has featured seasonal food workshops, involvement in a children's summer math camp, a food safety training workshop for teens, and the development of an online toolkit. The project was guided by the Mi'kmaw principle of Netukulimk, which reinforces respect for Mother Earth and stewardship of the land, water, and air for subsequent generations. Involvement of community leaders has been key to successful planning and implementation. While technology plays an important role, lessons learned on the land are critical and will inform efforts to include language and ceremony in future programming. Dietitians are encouraged to support Indigenous-led land-based learning in support of the profession's commitment to reconciliation.

Health Status of Senior Citizens of Dalit and Non-Dalit Community

The study investigates the distinctive characteristics of senior citizens, with a focus on Dalit and Non-Dalit communities in Malarani Rural Municipality, Nepal. Covering demographics, socio-economic factors, and health statuses, the research involves 430 individuals aged 60 and above. Historical marginalization of Dalit’s raises the possibility of unique challenges for them in aging. The utilizing chi-square tests, identifies significant associations between various factors, such as age, literacy, income, and health, among Dalit and Non-Dalit individuals. The chi square analysis underscores the impact of age, literacy, education, religion, employment, income, retirement, and blood pressure on senior citizens in Dalit and Non Dalit communities. Notably, possession of assets, land, home, and other variables showed no significant differences between the age (60-64 to 85+) groups. The study suggests that intergenerational programs and active aging initiatives can enhance the well-being of older adults and foster inclusive communities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the distinct needs of senior citizens, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

Exploring adolescent-adult connections, coping, and safety among minoritized youth in neighborhoods impacted by community violence.

Dyadic interviews were conducted with 32 youth ages 13-21 and their self-identified key adult supports to illuminate how adult supports help protect youth in communities impacted by high levels of violence. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Youth described choosing social interactions carefully, avoiding high-violence areas, and keeping busy with activities. Many youths discussed the necessity of minimizing contact with peers to avoid violence, resulting in isolation from friends and increased engagement with family at home. Adult supports reflected upon an intergenerational transfer of violence avoidance, safety planning, and coping strategies through sharing their own lived experiences. Dyads highlighted the need for intergenerational programming to address social isolation and build supportive social networks.

Using community-based participatory research to support the development of a co-located intergenerational program

This paper presents the findings of a ten-week research project exploring the intricacies of a co-located intergenerational program in Southeast Queensland. The research involved an early learning centre, North Early Learning, operated by a large not-for-profit organisation, Queensland Child Learning, and an aged care residence, Aged Care Living (pseudonyms). The research question underpinning this paper focused on identifying the views of educators, children, and families currently attending the early childhood education and care centre who will participate in the co-located intergenerational program. Employing a community-based participatory research approach, the study explores the perspectives of educators, children, and families participating in the program through visual children’s surveys, facilitated interviews, and online surveys. The findings highlight positive attitudes from educators and families toward intergenerational programs, leading to the development of an implementation timeline aligned with the needs of educators, children, and families that are reflective of the unique context of the centre.

A 10-week intergenerational program bringing together community-living older adults and preschool children (INTERACTION): a pilot feasibility non-randomised clinical trial

BackgroundSocial isolation and low levels of physical activity are strong drivers for frailty, which is linked to poor health outcomes and transition to long-term care. Frailty is multifactorial, and thus an integrated approach is needed to maintain older adults’ health and well-being. Intergenerational programs represent a novel multifactorial approach to target frailty, social isolation and physical decline but these have not yet been rigorously tested in Australia. Here, we present the results of our pilot study which aimed to test the feasibility of a 10-week intergenerational program between older adults and preschool children.MethodsA non-randomised wait-listed controlled trial was conducted. Participants were allocated to either the intervention or wait-list control group. The intervention group received 10 weekly 2-h intergenerational sessions led by trained child educators; the control group continued with their usual routine and received their intergenerational program after the 10-week control period. All participants were assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of the program including measures of recruitment eligibility, adherence and effective data collection across the multiple domains important for frailty, including functional mobility and balance, grip strength, cognitive function, mood, social engagement, quality of life and concerns about falling.ResultsNineteen adults were included, with nine in the intervention and ten in the control group. A total of 42% of older adults screened were eligible, 75% of participants were present at each intervention session and the overall attrition rate was 21% (n = 4). The reasons for participant absence were primarily health-related. Missing data was minimal for the majority of assessments but more apparent for the cognitive testing where completion rates ranged from 53 to 79% for baseline tests and 73 to 100% for those who received follow-up testing.ConclusionsThe high program compliance and low attrition show that a 10-week intergenerational program embedded in the local community, designed for community-living older adults and preschool children, is feasible and acceptable to older adults. Our next trial will test the efficacy of intergenerational programs in this setting.

A pilot study of an intergenerational program for people in residential aged care with cognitive impairment and children from a co-located early learning centre during COVID-19.

Intergenerational programs in residential aged care may improve well-being and combat loneliness and social isolation in older people with cognitive impairment. This pilot study investigated the effects of a semi-structured intergenerational group, including children from a co-located early learning centre and people living in residential aged care with cognitive impairment. This 9-week study used a mixed methods pre- and post-program design. Sessions were designed and delivered once per week by Occupational Therapists and took into account residents' interests and children's developmental needs and interests, identified in pre-program interviews. Nine older people with cognitive impairment and 13 children participated. The program was well attended despite disruptions and complications caused by COVID-19 and weather conditions. Older people valued the opportunity to engage with the children. Children were observed to gain confidence in communicating and forming friendships with older people with different levels of ability. There did not appear to be any change in loneliness or neuropsychiatric symptoms. The intergenerational program benefited participants and received strong support from family members and staff of the early learning centre and aged care home.

Prenatal maternal glucocorticoid exposure modifies sperm miRNA profiles across multiple generations in the guinea-pig.

Maternal stress and glucocorticoid exposure during pregnancy have multigenerational effects on neuroendocrine function and behaviours in offspring. Importantly, effects are transmitted through the paternal lineage. Altered phenotypes are associated with profound differences in transcription and DNA methylation in the brain. In the present study, we hypothesized that maternal prenatal synthetic glucocorticoid (sGC) exposure in the F0 pregnancy will result in differences in miRNA levels in testes germ cells and sperm across multiple generations, and that these changes will associate with modified microRNA (miRNA) profiles and gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of subsequent generations. Pregnant guinea-pigs (F0) were treated with multiple courses of the sGC betamethasone (Beta) (1mgkg-1; gestational days 40, 41, 50, 51, 60 and 61) in late gestation. miRNA levels were assessed in testes germ cells and in F2 PFC using the GeneChip miRNA 4.0 Array and candidate miRNA measured in epididymal sperm by quantitative real-time PCR. Maternal Beta exposure did not alter miRNA levels in germ cells derived from the testes of adult male offspring. However, there were significant differences in the levels of four candidate miRNAs in the sperm of F1 and F2 adult males. There were no changes in miRNA levels in the PFC of juvenile F2 female offspring. The present study has identified that maternal Beta exposure leads to altered miRNA levels in sperm that are apparent for at least two generations. The fact that differences were confined to epididymal sperm suggests that the intergenerational effects of Beta may target the epididymis. KEY POINTS: Paternal glucocorticoid exposure prior to conception leads to profound epigenetic changes in the brain and somatic tissues in offspring, and microRNAs (miRNAs) in sperm may mediate these changes. We show that there were significant differences in the miRNA profile of epididymal sperm in two generations following prenatal glucocorticoid exposure that were not observed in germ cells derived from the testes. The epididymis is a probable target for intergenerational programming. The effects of prenatal glucocorticoid treatment may span multiple generations.