Experiences of participating in intergenerational interventions in older people's care settings: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative literature

Abstract

Aims: To synthesize the findings of qualitative research exploring the experiences of being involved in intergenerational interventions in older people's care settings. Design: A meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature, employing Sandelowski and Barroso's method, was conducted. Data Sources: Eight databases were searched in March 2017. Review Methods: The PRISMA statement was used for reporting the different phases of the literature search and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research checklist was used as an appraisal framework. Data synthesis was conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's method.Results: Four qualitative studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: 'Recreating the family'; 'Building intergenerational empathy and respect'; 'Uplifting and energizing'; and 'Engagement risks and challenges'. Conclusion:The meta-synthesis strengthens the evidence that intergenerational interventions can be positive. However, it also shows that there may also be some negative aspects if not planned or managed carefully. Impact: This review contributes to the body of evidence by synthesizing the experiences of older people and children involved in intergenerational interventions. Although qualitative literature supports the quantitative evidence that intergenerational interventions can have a positive effect, intergenerational interventions could also have negative effects on some participants. Older people may feel tired, or experience feelings of infantilization. Practitioners need to be more aware of the potential negative effects of intergenerational interventions and include risk assessment, possibly by requiring ethical scrutiny. K E Y W O R D S children, intergenerational program, meta-synthesis, nurses, older people, patient's perspective, relationships

Prospective pragmatic quasi-experimental study to assess the impact and effectiveness of an innovative large-scale public health intervention to foster healthy ageing in place: the SoBeezy program protocol

“…The system proposes solutions to cope with the main social and material difficulties encountered in activities of daily living (ADL) and fosters social participation by promoting community-based cooperation and the sharing of activities and experiences. The SoBeezy system relies on: (1) a digital intelligent platform available on smartphone, tablet and computer, but also on a voice assistant (BeeVA) specifically developed for people with digital divide; (2) a large solidarity network which potentially relies on everyone’s engagement through an intergenerational approach 19 20 where the older persons themselves and those living with disabilities are not only service receivers but also potential contributors (as represented figure 2 ); (3) all the local partners and stakeholders available to cooperate (citizens, associations, artisans and professionals). Organised as a hub, the system connects all the resources of a territory and provides the best solution to meet a need or a demand.…”

Construyendo ocios intergeneracionales, entre la vida y la escuela

“…Conceptualmente, los programas intergeneracionales favorecen experiencias que promueven relaciones, intercambios, convivencias, conocimientos, etc. beneficiosos para quienes participan en su desarrollo, con la voluntad -más o menos explícita-de construir una sociedad para todas las edades, en la que no es suficiente con estar juntos ni la simple interacción: se requiere "hacer y hacerse juntos" (Newman y Sánchez, 2007, p. 42); de ahí la necesidad de generar espacios que faciliten el diálogo, la cooperación y la convivencia entre diferentes grupos de edad (Bagnasco et al, 2020;Canedo et al, 2017;Cohen-Mansfield y Jensen, 2017;Giraudeau y Bailly, 2019;Gualano et al, 2018;Kaplan, 2001;Peters et al, 2021;Zhong et al, 2020).…”

“…Este objetivo es convergente con los que figuran en programas intergeneracionales de todo el mundo y en las investigaciones que los han analizado en distintos países (Bagnasco et al, 2020;BCCPA, 2009;DFTA, 2010;Fundación FEDE, 2015;Generations United, 2021;Giraudeau y Bailly, 2019;Gutiérrez y Hernández, 2013;ICF-GHK, 2013;Newman y Sánchez, 2007;Orte y Vives, 2016;Villas-Boas et al, 2017).…”

The experiences and perceptions of young people and older people living with dementia of participating in intergenerational programmes: A qualitative evidence synthesis

“…‘Intergenerational programmes’ refer to formal activities that bring different generations together in a meaningful way ( Galbraith et al, 2015 ; Park, 2015 ; Teater, 2016 ). Participants in Intergenerational programmes commonly include older people (with and without dementia) aged over 65 years ( Bagnasco et al, 2019 ; Radford et al, 2018 ), and younger generations ranging from pre-school, school aged and university students ( Martins et al, 2019 ). Evidence from previous research outlines a number of potential benefits of Intergenerational programmes: enhancing a sense of well-being for people living with dementia; raising awareness among children engaging in the activities (thus reducing stigma) and maximising the role of the community in social engagement with people living with dementia ( Galbraith et al, 2015 ; Teater, 2016 ).…”

“…In addition, dementia education, creating a non-stigmatising environment and reflective journals were important considerations when designing Intergenerational programmes for people living with dementia. Non-dementia specific reviews of Intergenerational programmes included other activities such as reminiscence interventions, health education and virtual approaches ( Bagnasco et al, 2019 ; Lee et al, 2020 ). This highlights the broad scope of activity that can be used in Intergenerational care.…”