Intergenerational Program Development and Impact

Intergenerational programmes bring together individuals from non-adjacent age cohorts—typically young people and older adults—in structured activities designed to foster social connection, mutual learning and wellbeing. Originating in community and educational settings, these initiatives range from shared creative workshops and music therapy to task-oriented volunteering and life-story exchanges. They aim to reduce social isolation, challenge ageist stereotypes and promote generativity among older participants, while supporting skill development, empathy and civic engagement among younger cohorts. Recent discourse emphasises the need for clear theoretical frameworks, coherent logic models and consistent outcome measures to assess both individual and community-level impacts. As demographic ageing intensifies globally, intergenerational approaches have gained prominence as cost-effective interventions that address mental health, cognitive stimulation and social capital. Effective programme design incorporates stakeholder co-production, consideration of cultural and linguistic diversity, and adaptability to virtual or hybrid formats. Yet evidence remains uneven, with calls for more longitudinal studies and rigorous evaluation to elucidate mechanisms of change, equity outcomes and sustainable implementation strategies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Research from all publishers

A systematic review of randomised trials evaluated the effects of intergenerational activities on older adults’ mental health and wellbeing. Across 14 trials from six countries, interventions such as school volunteering, music sessions and collaborative environmental projects yielded small positive trends in self-esteem and depressive symptoms, though limited sample sizes and heterogeneity in measures precluded definitive conclusions. The authors highlight the need for stronger theoretical justification, agreed core outcome sets and attention to equity and long-term follow-up.

A mixed-methods review of intergenerational engagement in Asian long-term care facilities reported reductions in depression, loneliness and negative affect among older residents, alongside improvements in quality of life and social interaction. Qualitative insights underscored the value of emotional bonding and lifelong learning but noted challenges including language barriers and sensory disturbances. The study recommends culturally adapted delivery models and staff training to optimise participant experiences.

An evidence and gap map encompassing 500 studies across 27 countries charted the diversity of intergenerational practice, from playgroups and virtual exchanges to health promotion activities. Mental wellbeing, intergenerational attitudes and educational attainment emerged as frequently assessed outcomes, while mutual community and economic impacts remain under-explored. The map identifies methodological gaps in reporting of adverse events, process evaluations and caregiver outcomes, calling for coordinated research efforts to strengthen comparability and policy relevance.

Intergenerational Program Development and Impact publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in intergenerational program development and impact across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Intergenerational programme: A planned set of activities involving participants from two or more non-adjacent age groups, aimed at fostering reciprocal social, educational or health benefits.

Evidence and gap map: A visual tool that collates and categorises existing research to identify areas of ample evidence and those requiring further investigation.

Psycho-motor activity: Structured movement-based exercises designed to engage both cognitive and physical functions across age groups.

Generativity: A psychological concept denoting an individual’s concern for guiding and nurturing subsequent generations.

Quasi-experimental design: A study methodology that evaluates interventions without random assignment, often utilising comparison groups or pre- and post-measures.

References

1. What is the effect of intergenerational activities on the wellbeing and mental health of older people?: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews (2023).
2. Intergenerational engagement with Asian residents in long-term care facilities: a mixed method systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health (2024).
3. Non‐familial intergenerational interventions and their impact on social and mental wellbeing of both younger and older people—A mapping review and evidence and gap map. Campbell Systematic Reviews (2023).