Interactive programs with preschool children bring smiles and conversation to older adults: time-sampling study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Child Development
• Social Gerontology
• Intergenerational Studies

Background:

• Aging societies face challenges in maintaining older adults' health and activity.
• Reduced intergenerational interactions due to changing family structures impact well-being.
• Limited research exists on comparing different intergenerational interaction styles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of performance-based and social-oriented intergenerational programs on older adults.
• To evaluate changes in visual attention, facial expression, engagement, and conversation.
• To identify an optimal interaction style for intergenerational programs benefiting older adults.

Main Methods:

• 25 older adults participated in intergenerational programs with 5-6 year old preschool children.
• A structured observation study using time sampling was conducted.
• Participants were divided into performance-based (children's songs/dance) and social-oriented (games) groups for comparison.

Main Results:

• Social-oriented programs showed significantly higher constructive behavior and conversation (p<0.001).
• Weighted smiling rate was significantly higher in social-oriented programs (p<0.05).
• Performance-based programs showed significantly higher visual attention between generations (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Intergenerational programs with children positively impact older adults' social engagement and emotional well-being.
• Social-oriented programs offer older adults more active roles and opportunities for societal reintegration.
• Further development of these beneficial intergenerational programs is recommended.