Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Psychology

Background:

• Intergenerational programs promote healthy aging and reduce dementia risk through social engagement and cognitive stimulation.
• Older men are underrepresented in these programs, limiting research generalizability and intervention development.
• Understanding barriers to male participation is crucial for inclusive research and effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore barriers preventing older Australian men (aged 60+) from participating in intergenerational programs.
• To identify effective recruitment strategies and program preferences to improve male engagement in such initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Three focus groups with eight older Australian men explored participation barriers and preferences.
• A survey with 220 participants evaluated mock recruitment materials with varying age and gender tones.
• Analysis involved qualitative transcription and quantitative evaluation of recruitment material appeal.

Main Results:

• Traditional masculinity norms and perceived caregiving roles were key barriers for men.
• Action-oriented language ('mentoring,' 'skill-sharing') and structured activities were preferred over abstract terms.
• Participants favored gender-neutral/age-positive messaging, small mixed-gender groups, in-person formats, and interaction with primary school-aged children.
• Concerns about child safety and police checks were noted.

Conclusions:

• Recruitment strategies must align with older men's values, using relatable, action-focused language and transparent safety protocols.
• Tailored approaches, emphasizing skill-sharing and structured activities, can enhance male engagement in intergenerational research.
• Improving inclusivity in research supports broader efforts to reduce dementia risk and promote healthy aging.