A Survey of Intergenerational Programs in Australian Residential Aged Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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 allow older and younger generations to connect in a group setting while participating in mutually beneficial and meaningful activities, such as reading, arts, crafts, and singing ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ). Potential benefits include building connections and relationships between older and younger community members and providing opportunities for social, emotional, and educational growth ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ; Golenko et al, 2020 ; Peters et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Intergenerational programs allow older and younger generations to connect in a group setting while participating in mutually beneficial and meaningful activities, such as reading, arts, crafts, and singing ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ). Potential benefits include building connections and relationships between older and younger community members and providing opportunities for social, emotional, and educational growth ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ; Golenko et al, 2020 ; Peters et al, 2021 ). Engagement in intergenerational programs can contribute to a reduction in age-based stigma and stereotypes as children and young people may develop more positive attitudes toward older people and dementia awareness ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ; Di Bona et al, 2019 ; Galbraith et al, 2015 ; Gamliel & Gabay, 2014 ; Gerritzen et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Potential benefits include building connections and relationships between older and younger community members and providing opportunities for social, emotional, and educational growth ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ; Golenko et al, 2020 ; Peters et al, 2021 ). Engagement in intergenerational programs can contribute to a reduction in age-based stigma and stereotypes as children and young people may develop more positive attitudes toward older people and dementia awareness ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ; Di Bona et al, 2019 ; Galbraith et al, 2015 ; Gamliel & Gabay, 2014 ; Gerritzen et al, 2020 ). Additional benefits for young people include improved communication and language skills, prosocial behaviour ( Kessler & Staudinger, 2007 ), and ability to regulate behaviour ( Femia et al, 2008 ).…”

“…Both older people and parents of young people recognise the importance of community connections and intergenerational relationships with the passing on of knowledge and wisdom between generations (known as generativity) ( Kenning et al, 2021 ; Rosa Hernandez et al, 2020 ). Barriers to intergenerational programming within residential aged care include staffing, care needs, transportation, and reduced mobility ( D'Cunha et al, 2023b ). Developing programs that utilise shared or co-located sites, where aged care and childcare are within similar geographical locations, may reduce these barriers.…”