A systematic review of the impacts of intergenerational engagement on older adults’ cognitive, social, and health outcomes

Abstract

Background. Promoting older adults' health and wellbeing via intergenerational engagement can help with the needs of an ageing population. This systematic review evaluated the impacts of intergenerational engagement on cognitive, social, and health outcomes in healthy older adults and older adults with mild cognitive impairment.Research Design and Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were undertaken, with records screened and filtered according to pre-registered criteria. Study quality was formally assessed, and a narrative synthesis produced from the extracted findings.Results: Forty-four studies were included in the review. Two out of five studies found significant intergenerational engagement effects on cognitive outcomes; 16 of 24 on social outcomes; and 21 of 30 on health-related outcomes. Only 11 studies fully met the criteria for high quality research, of which the majority (eight) focused on social outcomes.Discussion and Implications: This review has identified potential benefits of intergenerational engagement, most notably regarding anxiety, generativity, cross-age attitudes, and physical activity. However, only five included studies were randomised, controlled trials, therefore strong conclusions cannot yet be drawn. More research is required involving gold standard and comparable models, enabling wider implementation and generalisability, and randomised, controlled trials to provide the highest quality evidence.

Effects of intergenerational contact on social capital in community-dwelling adults aged 25–84 years: a non-randomized community-based intervention

“…We held intergenerational contact events for young to older adults to meet, interact, and build trust and friendship with neighbors of other generations [ 19 ]. Previous studies [ 13 , 14 , 17 ] suggested that sharing recreational activities with different age groups effectively fostered intergenerational relationships. Therefore, the events included recreational activities (e.g., games, handcrafts, stretching, walking) and intergenerational communication.…”

“…Intergenerational programs, which promote contact between people from different age groups, may enhance social capital. Such programs typically involve scheduled activities (e.g., reading picture books) that are designed to bring older and younger generations together for the benefit of all participants [ 13 ]. Many previous studies reported that intergenerational programs improved older adults’ physical and cognitive function [ 13 ], reduced ageism [ 14 , 15 ], and enhanced social capital (i.e., social support, norm of reciprocity, and social trust) [ 13 , 16 ].…”

“…Such programs typically involve scheduled activities (e.g., reading picture books) that are designed to bring older and younger generations together for the benefit of all participants [ 13 ]. Many previous studies reported that intergenerational programs improved older adults’ physical and cognitive function [ 13 ], reduced ageism [ 14 , 15 ], and enhanced social capital (i.e., social support, norm of reciprocity, and social trust) [ 13 , 16 ]. Therefore, interventions promoting intergenerational contact may reduce discrimination toward others based on age [ 13 ], promote trust in other generations and neighbors, and improve residents’ physical and mental health.…”

Editorial: Insights in Aging and Public Health: 2021

“…Attention to social connectedness has led to a renewed interest in intergenerational research (13). In their opinion piece, Wong et al make the argument that the involvement of younger people is essential to achieving healthy aging for all.…”

Intergenerationality Programs—Between Children and Older Adults—For Portuguese Population: A Scoping Review

“…Intergenerationality is a social interaction between people of different ages and generations through exchanging life experiences, values and principles [ 6 , 13 , 19 ]. Nowadays, expanding these relationships for the whole of society becomes essential as an incentive for intergenerational solidarity [ 6 , 20 ].…”