Intergenerational Programs to Promote Active Aging: The Experiences and Perspectives of Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbra Teater
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 732-733
Author(s):  
Shannon Jarrott ◽  
Rachel Scrivano ◽  
Nancy Mendoza ◽  
Cherrie Park

Abstract Intergenerational programs facilitate mutually beneficial interactions between youth and older adults, achieving an array of outcomes. With few exceptions, implementation factors rarely figure into outcome analyses, though researchers frequently gather data on factors influencing outcomes. The resulting practice-evidence gap may deter wide-spread adoption of intergenerational programming. We conducted a scoping review of 35 peer-reviewed articles (2000-2019) to map key concepts and evidence sources of empirically-supported practices impacting intergenerational program outcomes. A scoping review is appropriate when an area is complex, like intergenerational programs that incorporate diverse participants, content, and goals. Primarily qualitative studies involved programs equally likely to involve young, school-age, or post-secondary age youth and independent or frail older adults. Half had sample sizes under 50, frequently measuring both age groups. Implementation practices included co-learning and sharing personal stories. Program content (e.g., technology) and greater exposure amplified outcomes. Rigorous implementation research is needed to advance evidence-based intergenerational practice.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 1186-1186
Author(s):  
H. Hsu ◽  
H. Tung ◽  
J. Wang ◽  
S. Hsu ◽  
S. Chuang

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-62
Author(s):  
Jordan Deneau ◽  
Sean Horton ◽  
Paula M. van Wyk

In an attempt to offset the widespread anticipated impact of aging populations, active aging programs have become nearly ubiquitous in Western society. Nonetheless, older adults tend to remain relatively inactive. The perspectives of older adults constitute a key resource to help guide active aging efforts. Moreover, gender-sensitized and ecological approaches to physical activity programming may contribute markedly to the efficacy and inclusiveness of such initiatives. Considering the paucity of research regarding older men’s suggestions for physical activity programs, this study involved semistructured interviews to ascertain the perceptions among 19 older men (aged 75–90 years). Through a thematic analysis, seven key attributes emerged that participants believed physical activity programs should possess: affordable, available, accessible, adapted, alternative, accompanied, and awareness. The complexities and implications pertaining to these attributes are discussed in the context of ecological theory and ideals of masculinity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. e08
Author(s):  
Martha Elba Salazar-Barajas ◽  
◽  
Manuel Lillo Crespo ◽  
Perla Lizeth Hernández Cortez ◽  
María de los Ángeles Villarreal Reyna ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Gianluca Voglino ◽  
Fabrizio Bert ◽  
Robin Thomas ◽  
Elisa Camussi ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground:Elderly are at particular risk of social isolation. This condition significantly affects health; on the contrary, social involvement can be extremely advantageous. In this context, intergenerational programs improve interactions between different ages. Then, we conducted a review regarding intergenerational programs, to summarize the effects of these activities on both elderly and children.Methods:Our review followed the PRISMA statements. We considered papers reporting data about intergenerational programs involving children (preschool and elementary) and elderly.Results:The final selection obtained 27 sources. Ten studies evaluated children's outcomes outlining the positive impact of intergenerational programs upon children's perception of elderly. The effects on older participants were variegated considering well-being, depression, self-reported health, and self-esteem. Moreover, the retrieved studies outlined the importance of a careful organization and of a specific training for all staff members. The staff involved in similar programs appeared, overall, highly satisfied.Discussion:The positive impact on children of intergenerational programs is proved at both short- and long-term. Moreover, despite the different outcomes considered and the variable results, these programs resulted overall beneficial on elderly participants. Finally, similar activities resulted feasible even in case of older adults with dementia.


2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110419
Author(s):  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Tineke Fokkema ◽  
Bruno Arpino

This study examines the influence of grandparenthood and grandparental childcare on loneliness among Chinese older adults. Using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 9240 individuals from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we applied logistic regression to examine the relationship between various grandparental statuses and loneliness with a focus on gender. The grandparental role is a protective factor for loneliness. Providing care to grandchildren was associated with a lower likelihood of feeling lonely for both genders. Among grandmothers, the benefit of providing childcare is less when it is occasional. Among grandfathers, the benefit is less when it is regular and intensive. Regarding transitions in grandparental status, gender differences were only observed among those who recently entered the caregiving role. Given the increasing reliance on grandparents for childcare in China, this engagement in active aging is beneficial for older adults in reducing loneliness.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra McCune ◽  
Daniel Promislow

Dogs act as companions who provide us with emotional and physical support. Their shorter lifespans compel us to learn about the challenges and gifts of caring for older individuals. Our companion dogs can be exemplars of healthy or unhealthy aging, and sentinels of environmental factors that might increase or decrease our own healthy lifespan. In recent years, the field of aging has emphasized not just lifespan, but healthspan—the period of healthy, active lifespan. This focus on healthy, active aging is reflected in the World Health Organization's current focus on healthy aging for the next decade and the 2016 Healthy Aging in Action initiative in the US. This paper explores the current research into aging in both people and companion dogs, and in particular, how the relationship between older adults and dogs impacts healthy, active aging for both parties. The human-dog relationship faces many challenges as dogs, and people, age. We discuss potential solutions to these challenges, including suggestions for ways to continue contact with dogs if dog ownership is no longer possible for an older person. Future research directions are outlined in order to encourage the building of a stronger evidence base for the role of dogs in the lives of older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 374
Author(s):  
Gail Kenning ◽  
Nicole Ee ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
Billy L. Luu ◽  
Stephanie A. Ward ◽  
...  

The many changes that occur in the lives of older people put them at an increased risk of being socially isolated and lonely. Intergenerational programs for older adults and young children can potentially address this shortfall, because of the perceived benefit from generations interacting. This study explores whether there is an appetite in the community for intergenerational programs for community dwelling older adults. An online survey was distributed via social media, research team networks, and snowballing recruitment with access provided via QR code or hyperlink. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with potential participants of a pilot intergenerational program planned for the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia in 2020. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Over 250 people completed the survey, and 21 interviews took place with older adults (10) and parents of young children (11). The data showed that participants were all in favor of intergenerational programs, but there were different perceptions about who benefits most and how. The study highlighted considerations to be addressed in the development of effective and sustainable intergenerational programs. For example, accessing people in the community who are most socially isolated and lonely was identified as a primary challenge. More evidence-based research is needed to support involvement of different cohorts, such as those who are frail, or living with physical or cognitive limitations.


Author(s):  
Hui-Chuan Hsu

This study aims to identify the typology of city-level active aging and age-friendliness across cities in Taiwan and examine their effects on well-being in terms of life satisfaction (aged 55 and over) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (aged 65 and over) among older adults. The data were from the 2017 Taiwan Senior Citizen Condition Survey. Available indicators of Taiwan’s Active Aging Index and city age-friendliness were selected, and mixed linear models were analyzed. Active aging cities were classified into four categories—content, developed, participatory, and pioneer—and age-friendly cities into insecure, infrastructural, and tranquil. Life satisfaction was rated higher in content and participatory cities compared with the pioneer city, and related to individuals’ active aging status. Physical HRQoL was rated higher in infrastructural and tranquil cities, compared with insecure cities. City types of active aging and age-friendliness have different effects on well-being, but the effects are weaker than those of individuals’ characteristics.


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