INTERGENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES: THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT IN AGING SOCIETY
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Abstract
Intergenerational activities refer to purposeful activities and initiatives that promote interaction, experience exchange, and mutual learning between individuals of different age groups, particularly children and older adults. These activities are grounded in social learning theory, activity theory, social capital theory and lifelong learning concepts, which emphasize that cross-generational interactions enhance social, emotional, physical and cognitive development across all age groups and leads to ideal community that suit for aging society. This article presents the meaning, theories, historical development and evolution of intergenerational activities, which gained significant attention during the 1960s-1970s in the United States and Europe as societies began confronting issues of age segregation and changing family structures. The impacts of intergenerational activities are supported by substantial empirical evidence across multiple dimensions. For older adults, these activities reduce depression, enhance self-worth, slow cognitive decline, and promote physical activity. Children and youth benefit through improved emotional and social development, acquisition of values and wisdom, and development of positive attitudes toward older people that will fostering trust and building a bridge of connection across generations who rarely interact in their daily lives. Research from various countries, including Linking Generations Northern Ireland, Experience Corps in the United States, and Intergenerational Schools in Japan, demonstrates positive outcomes for many dimensions of holistic health among participants.
Current and future trends in intergenerational activities show continued expansion, particularly within the context of aging societies and the use of digital technology as a bridging medium. Public policies in many countries are beginning to integrate intergenerational activities into education, healthcare, and social welfare systems. Promoting these activities represents a crucial strategy for creating societies with enhanced wellbeing and quality of life for all ages.
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