The Influence of Long-Term Intergenerational Interactions With Nursing Students on Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A...

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of intergenerational interactions between nursing students and community-dwelling older adults who participated in the Preventive Home Visit Practicum (PHVP), a community-based nursing educational program.

This qualitative descriptive study involved semi-structured interviews of older adults who had long-term experience participating in the PHVP. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis to identify categories and subcategories representing participants' experiences and perceived effects.

Fourteen individuals and four couples participated in this study. All of them were aged over 70 years or older, and none perceived themselves as being in poor health. Three categories emerged: the energy gained from regular interaction, deep fulfillment as an older adult, and a sense of reassurance through interaction with nursing students. Participants reported that regular and continuous visits from nursing students provided vitality, a sense of usefulness, and emotional comfort. These intergenerational relationships, built through attentive listening and mutual respect, fostered a sense of competence and self-worth among the older adults.

Intergenerational interaction with nursing students through the PHVP was perceived to influence community-dwelling older adults' psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and patient activation. Establishing ongoing and mutually rewarding relationships between nursing students and older adults within nursing education may contribute to enhancing older adults' continued engagement and well-being in community-settings.