Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
11:21
Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
9.0K
Exploring Intergenerational Interactions in Residential Environments: A Systematic Scoping Review
Dowon Lee1, Uchita Vaid1, Jung-Hye Shin1
1Design Studies Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
HERD
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Intentional Intergenerational Communities (IICs) show promise for improving well-being. Further research is needed to fully understand their impact on health and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Urban Planning
Background:
- Family caregiving is central to U.S. eldercare, influenced by federal policies.
- Shifting policies and societal trends increase interest in intergenerational communities.
- Rising chronic illnesses and social isolation necessitate innovative eldercare models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore intergenerational community models.
- To assess their impact on health and well-being.
- To identify research gaps in this emerging field.
Main Methods:
- Systematic scoping review of studies published after 2000.
- Searched major academic databases (PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.).
- Analyzed 20 selected studies focusing on interactions, benefits, and built environment.
Main Results:
- Intergenerational interactions occurred weekly with varied quality.
- Potential benefits include improved attitudes, social development, health, and quality of life.
- Research on the built environment's role in IICs is limited.
Conclusions:
- Intentional Intergenerational Communities (IICs) demonstrate significant potential.
- IIC implementation is in its early stages, with notable research gaps.
- Future research should generate robust evidence for policy and practice.
Keywords:
built environmentintergenerational housingintergenerational interactionmultigenerational communityolder adultssocial isolationMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:20Longitudinal Research
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
01:50Cross-Sectional Research
In cross-sectional research, a researcher compares multiple segments of the population at the same time. If they were interested in people's dietary habits, the researcher might directly compare different groups of people by age. Instead of following a group of people for 20 years to see how their dietary habits changed from decade to decade, the researcher would study a group of 20-year-old individuals and compare them to a group of 30-year-old individuals and a group of 40-year-old...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
01:29Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or inconsistent. For...