Comparing Community-based Intergenerational Activities in Israel: Participants, Programs, and Perceived Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Community Psychology

Background:

• Intergenerational programs (IGPs) aim to foster connections between different age groups.
• Previous research has often treated IGPs monolithically, overlooking program content variations.
• Understanding how specific program activities influence participant experiences is crucial for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential impact of various community-based intergenerational program (IGP) content on older and younger participants.
• To identify specific benefits and challenges associated with art, learning, and assistance-based IGPs.
• To explore how participant characteristics and needs interact with program content.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative and qualitative analyses of data collected via structured questionnaires.
• Direct administration of questionnaires to 84 older and 96 younger participants.
• Comparison of perceived impacts across different types of IGPs (art, learning, assistance).

Main Results:

• Art programs: increased activity in older adults, greater awareness but also stress in younger participants.
• Learning programs: enhanced older adult happiness and younger adult skills, but divergent expectations and perceived lack of commitment from youth.
• Assistance programs: addressed older adult needs (e.g., loneliness), improved younger adult satisfaction, but faced termination challenges. Older adults generally reported more benefits than younger participants.

Conclusions:

• The content and structure of IGPs are critical determinants of their perceived impact.
• Different IGP types yield distinct benefits and challenges for various age groups.
• Future intergenerational program design should consider activity content, participant characteristics, and specific needs for optimal outcomes.