How an Intergenerational Book Club Can Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Plummer, Jamie; Nguyen, Katlyn; Everly, Janet; Kiesow, Abby; Leith, Katherine H.; Neils-Strunjaš, Jean

doi:10.1177/23337214221150061

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Although SI is a global epidemic implying the absence of meaningful human relations and social connectedness, befriending is a psychosocial tonic to building social relationships and intergenerational friendships [ 7 ] that might reduce boredom and depression and significantly enhance the quality of life among older adults [ 8 ] and youth. The feeling of companionship is augmented when an intergenerational conversation is conducted purposefully, thereby negating the exacerbating consequences of SI such as boredom or even the feeling of loneliness.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intergenerational conversations are a gateway to enduring socialization for older adults and students [ 9 ]. The quality of life is enhanced as both generations engage in purposeful activities in a safe and friendly environment [ 8 ] to the satisfaction of each other’s psychosocial needs and well-being. Long-lasting intergenerational conversations can create a bonding between the older adult and the student, and it enhances the level of patience and builds social competence in youth, which are essential attributes to become skilled health care professionals in long-term care [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The quality of life comprises components such as health; well-being; peaceful existence; living in harmony; social engagement; life satisfaction; and keeping oneself busy with hobbies, volunteer service, or work [ 8 , 35 , 36 ]. The older adults were subjected to a harsher reality during the pandemic than younger adults as old age was affirmed as a risk for COVID-19 complications [ 37 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Examining the Effect of Contactless Intergenerational Befriending Intervention on Social Isolation Among Older Adults and Students’ Attitude Toward Companionship: Content Analysis

Sen,

Laheji,

Ramamonjiarivelo

et al. 2024

JMIR Aging

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Background Intergenerational friendship, a mechanism of social support, is an effective intervention to reduce the increasing risk of social isolation (SI) and develop companionship in the older adult population. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the psychosocial intervention of befriending via technology use as a primary form of contactless socialization. Objective The study aims to explore the effectiveness of the befriending intervention through a contactless, intergenerational service-learning project on older adult emotions, especially boredom and loneliness as the key attributes of SI, and on students’ attitude toward companionship. Methods During the months of January to April 2022 , undergraduate students enrolled in a health administration course with a special focus on culture were asked to be involved in a contactless, intergenerational service-learning project (n=46). In this study, contactless intervention meant communication using the telephone and apps such as FaceTime and Zoom. Students were paired with older adults to have at least a 30-minute weekly conversation, for 8 weeks, via telephone or an internet-based app such as FaceTime. Students were asked to write a half-page diary after each interaction and a 1-page reflection at the end of the fourth week and at the end of the service-learning project. At the completion of the project, the researchers also surveyed the older adults to assess the impact of the project using a 5-item open-ended questionnaire. Following a heuristic approach and content analysis, student artifacts (110,970 words; 118-page, single-spaced Microsoft Word document) and the older adult surveys were analyzed using MAXQDA, (VERBI GmbH). Qualitative data were extracted to assess the impact of service learning on SI by measuring the attributes of boredom and loneliness among 46 older adults. Students’ attitudes toward companionship were also assessed using data from their diaries and reflections. Results Overall, three major constructs were identified: (1) meaningful engagement, defined as feeling safe, having increased confidence, and having reduced boredom; (2) internal motivation to participate in the weekly interaction, defined as discussion about daily life experience, level of happiness, and ability to exert personal control over the situation; and (3) intergenerational befriending, defined as perceived benefits from the friendly nature of the interaction, ability to comfortably connect with students, and positive feeling and attitude toward the student. Conclusions The contactless, intergenerational befriending intervention reduced boredom and loneliness among older adults and enhanced positive attitude and confidence among university students. Students helped older adults to develop digital skills for the use of apps and social media. Older adults showed interest in the intervention and shared their daily life experiences with the students, which helped to reduce the gap between generations. Findings indicate the effectiveness of an intergenerational service-learning intervention on SI reduction and increased positive attitude among college students.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%