What do older people learn from young people? Intergenerational learning in ‘day centre’ community settings in Malta

Abstract

This study analyses what motivates older people to attend ‘day centres’ in Malta and what they believe that they derive from young people who carry out their placements at these day ‘centres’ These young people, who are aged 16–17, attend a vocational college in Malta and are studying health and social care. The study is based on a qualitative approach and employs the usage of focus groups. The main findings are that the elderly see the students as helping them on an emotional level by giving them encouragement, and on a practical level, by offering them insights that help them in modern-day life.

Keywords:

• Older
• student placements
• informal learning
• day care centres
• intergenerational learning