What is the research study about?
Recent research in Australia and overseas has shown that groups of older adults and groups of young children may benefit from contact with each other. Also that this intergenerational contact may be especially positive if it is focused around learning. There have been several intergenerational programmes set up in aged care facilities but fewer exist in the community. We were keen to find out what people think about running this kind of activity in the community. To do this we ran an online survey.
The survey has now finished and we have published the results in the scientific literature. They can be found here.
Overall 258 people in Australia completed our online survey. In general intergenerational programs were viewed positively. Over 90% felt that intergernational programs have the potential to increase understanding and friendships across generations, provide unique learning opportunities and improve communication skills in children, while also reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults.
These results help us to understand the best way forward for intergenerational community programmes.
Thank you very much to everyone who participated and completed our survey. We are grateful for the time that you have taken to share your views.