Intergenerational activities as a strategy to cope with loneliness
Social changes in living and working habits have reduced intergenerational social interaction in recent decades (Riera, 2022), leading to increased isolation and loneliness among older adults (Cacioppo, 2018). This phenomenon poses a significant public health challenge, as loneliness is associated with a decline in overall health and mental well-being (Gabarrell-Pascuet, 2022; Hawkley, 2021; Wang, 2018). Simultaneously, depression, anxiety, and loneliness are on the rise among children and young people (Barreto, 2021; Gabarrell-Pascuet, 2023; Cappelaere, 2021), highlighting the need for new strategies to promote mental health at all stages of life.
Intergenerational activities are interventions that can address the needs of both older adults and children and young people, offering a space for connection between generations to foster the exchange of experiences and skills (Radford, 2018). Their implementation strengthens social bonds, thus contributing to reducing loneliness and social isolation , improving mental health , and promoting mutual understanding (Park, 2015; Whear, 2023). Furthermore, these activities can address relevant social issues, such as ageism , promoting a more cohesive and inclusive society.
Despite their potential, scientific evidence on the impact of these initiatives on the mental health and well-being of participants is limited and inconclusive (Campbell, 2024; Whear, 2023). Few evaluations have explored how these activities directly affect both age groups, and when they do, they tend to focus on aspects such as attitudes toward aging, without delving into other psychological benefits. There is also a lack of sustainable, long-term studies that would allow for a thorough and lasting measurement of their impacts.
CRENCO is a non-profit project that implements an intergenerational educational model in schools during school hours. This model adapts recreational and educational activities to the specific needs of each school and senior center, promoting intergenerational collaboration within communities , with a special focus on reducing prejudice and barriers between generations. The initiative proposes a methodology that combines sports, therapeutic, and culinary activities to foster connections between primary and secondary school students and senior citizens. Intergenerational activities have centered on interaction and collaboration between people of different generations in classroom settings or community spaces, developing skills such as effective communication, learning through play, teamwork, friendly competition, and mutual recognition and appreciation. This approach creates an inclusive space where teamwork, creativity, and mutual learning contribute to the development of values such as empathy, solidarity, and social cohesion.
Next, we will present the results of the 2023-2024 edition of the project, which are based on a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the impressions of participating students (primary school N=82, secondary school N=77) and senior citizens (N=52). In addition, it also includes the evaluation of qualitative interviews (N=18) with experts and stakeholders such as teachers, the project coordination team, family members, and municipal representatives, providing a comprehensive view of the achievements and areas for improvement for future editions of the program.
Project results
Primary school students
The project has raised children's awareness of the loneliness experienced by older people and helped them see them as kind, wise, and fun-loving individuals. A large percentage of the students believe that spending time with older people is important to combat loneliness, bring happiness, provide companionship, learn from them, and care for them. The workshops and activities carried out during the intervention have allowed children to learn new sports to play with older people and to better manage their feelings and emotions.
" Being older for me means being fun . "
" When you do activities with them (senior citizens), they can learn things about us and we can learn things about them . "
High school students
Secondary school students have given positive feedback on intergenerational interaction, highlighting that working with older people helps bridge generations and develop empathy. More than half believe these projects should be a part of today's society and perceive them as beneficial and positive. The students have learned to value older people and their contributions more, better understand generational differences, communicate effectively with this age group, and develop personal skills such as emotional expression and empathy. Participation in the workshops has allowed them to acquire knowledge about healthy eating and gardening, as well as techniques for personal well-being, such as active listening, confident speaking, breathing exercises, and yoga.
" This project has taught me a lot for the life ahead. I believe that all older people have things to tell us because they have lived longer than us and can give us advice . "
Older people
The older adults have experienced an improvement in their emotional and social well-being thanks to their interaction with children and young people. Most have expressed that the project has met their expectations and they wanted to repeat the experience. They have described these interactions as a source of fun, joy, tenderness, and kindness.
" Feeling useful at times is satisfying for me, and if I can help, it's wonderful. I like being supportive. "
Related agents and indirect beneficiaries
Those involved in the project have praised the initiative as innovative, enriching, and comprehensive. They particularly highlighted the impact of intergenerational contact and the importance of these types of projects for building a more cohesive society.
Lessons learned and a vision for the future
In short, the project has proven to be a powerful tool for fostering intergenerational dialogue, reducing loneliness, and promoting mutual learning, benefiting children and young people as well as older adults.
The CRENCO project has had a positive impact on all participants, fostering intergenerational coexistence and promoting mutual learning . Students have improved their social and communication skills, breaking down stereotypes about aging and developing a more empathetic view of older people. Furthermore, they have acquired tools to better manage their emotions and adopt healthy habits.
Older adults have experienced positive emotions, felt valued, and overcome generational barriers, contributing to their quality of life and reducing unwanted loneliness. The project has also proven to be an effective tool for combating ageism and fostering social cohesion.
Looking ahead to future editions, the proposal is to broaden participation, increase session duration, and work in smaller groups to enhance interaction. It is also recommended to incorporate more outdoor activities, adapted to both generations, to ensure an active role for all participants and maximize the benefits.
The CRENCO project is possible thanks to the collaboration of the Fundació de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu , the City Council of Cornellà de Llobregat , the Fundació d'Atenció a Persones Dependents , the Hospital Order of San Juan de Dios and the Obra Social Sant Joan de Déu .
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