Incorporating the Co-Creation Method into Social Innovation Design to Promote Intergenerational Integration: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Urban Planning
• Social Gerontology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic heightened focus on intergenerational connections and community mental health.
• There is a growing need to understand how community contexts influence well-being.
• Addressing social isolation and stereotyping between age groups is crucial for societal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically assess the effectiveness of a co-creation approach for intergenerational integration.
• To explore if participatory community design promotes intergenerational communication and reduces stereotyping.
• To investigate the impact of collaborative design on social well-being in community settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a collaborative co-creation design method within a community setting.
• Conducted participatory research and co-creation workshops in Shanghai's Hongqiao New Village square.
• Focused on the use of public space for social interaction and community development.

Main Results:

• Collaborative community design interventions fostered positive intergenerational relations.
• Participation in community creation enhanced social security and overall social well-being.
• The co-creation process successfully promoted communication and alleviated age-based stereotyping.

Conclusions:

• Co-creation in community design is a viable strategy for enhancing intergenerational integration.
• This approach contributes to building a positive and sustainable community mental health environment.
• Findings offer practical insights and theoretical models for improving community well-being through inclusive design.