Intergenerational interaction in health promotion: a qualitative study in Brazil

Abstract

ObjectiveIn 1994 a pilot intergenerational project was started in the city of Taguatinga, Brazil, to promote the well-being of both elderly and adolescent populations using reminiscence processes as a means of interaction. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the project from the participants' viewpoint and to improve the contribution of those age groups in building up social capital. Methods From November 1999 to April 2000 a qualitative study using focus groups technique was conducted. Using a discussion guide, 9 groups of students, ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old, and 3 groups of elderly aged 60 years and over were interviewed to collect data regarding their interaction before and after an intergenerational program. ResultsThe main findings suggested a change in attitude of young people toward old age and elderly people. Participating elderly people reported improvement in their health status. For both age groups the findings suggested a better understanding between generations. Conclusions It seems that reminiscence intergenerational activity contributes to building up mutual trust and reciprocity. These results seem to indicate this is an alternative for investing in social capital and improving participants' well-being. However, further work is needed to support these findings. Resumo Objetivo

Do Intergenerational Activities do any Good for Older Adults Well-Being? A Brief Review

“…Regarding social welling-being, there is strong evidence that intergenerational activities enhance social networks and relationships with neighbors, as well as family members [9,10], while there is mixed evidence on impacts on the frequency of communication with friends and local neighborhood children [11] and mixed effects on trust [12]. A Japanese trial looked at the effects of an intergenerational health promotion programme involving adults aged over 60 who volunteered to read picture books with young children in kindergartens.…”

Intergenerational Volunteering and Quality of Life for Persons with Mild‐to‐Moderate Dementia: Results from a 5‐Month Intervention Study in the United States

“…Emerging evidence is demonstrating that there may be a range of biopsychosocial benefits for older adults who form relationships with children through intergenerational volunteering programs, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] but most existing data have been derived from cross-sectional and retrospective observational studies, and only a few intergenerational volunteering programs have been evaluated using randomized models. 10 Generally, there is a lack of high-quality data on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on the QOL of persons with dementia.…”

“…It is well documented in the clinical and experimental literatures that education level influences the normal range of MMSE scores, such that individuals with less formal education score lower and such scores are not indicative of impairment. 2 Older adults, on average, have fewer years of formal education than their younger counterparts. 3 Other factors, such as cultural background, have also been shown to influence the sensitivity and specificity of this screening instrument.…”

The Effects of Intergenerational Programmes on Children and Young People

“…In Brazil, a qualitative study explored the benefits of a pilot study for an intergenerational interaction [13]. Over 6 months, 84 students, aged 13 to 19 and 26 older adults aged 60 and above from diverse backgrounds took part in group discussions at school.…”

“…In addition, better psychological outcomes were found, such as a decrease in the levels of anxiety [10] and an increase in a sense of self-worth [11]. Some dimensions of the social outcomes were improved in terms of how to express appreciation and respect [7] for older people by having a chance to look back their own negative perceptions or prejudice against ageism [13,[18][19][20]. These findings are consistent with the results of other studies showing that children aged seven who participated in classroom activities with older people and those who took part in cross-generational chorus in school tended to use more positive words to describe older people after they took part in the Leaning and Growing Together intergenerational programme, in comparison to using more negative words before the intervention [18].…”