Intergenerational Engagement and Challenges: Participants’ Perspectives on Intergenerational Activities in Hong Kong

Figures & data

Table 1. Demographic information of older adults and university students.

	Older adults (N = 38)	University students (N = 20)
	M (SD)/N (%)	M (SD)/N (%)
Age	66.34 (6.14)	21.20 (0.91)
Gender
Male	12 (21.58%)	9 (45%)
Female	26 (68.42%)	11 (55%)
Educational attainment
Middle school	7 (22.58%)
Post-secondary education	26 (68.42%)
University or above	5 (13.16%)	20 (100%)

M = mean value; SD = standard deviation.

Table 2. Interview guide questions.

Focus areas	Specific questions
Types of IG	In what types of IG are you currently participating?
	Have you participated in other types of IG in the past?
Motivations of engaging in IG	Why did you decide to participate in these intergenerational activities?
	What were you hoping to gain from the participation?
Benefits of engaging in IG	What benefits have you perceived in the participation of IG?
	How have you benefited from the participation in the IG?
Challenges related to participating in IG	What challenges have you experienced concerning your participation in the IG?
	What caused these challenges during your participation in the IG?

IG = intergenerational programs.

Table 3. Similarities and differences among older adults and university students participating in intergenerational programs.

	Older adults	University students
Similarities
Motivations	To increase intergenerational contact; Inspired by previous working or voluntary experiences
Benefits	Reinforced mutual understanding between generations; Learned new experience, knowledge, and skills; Expanded social circles
Challenges	Intergenerational conflicts caused by different communication patterns and lifestyles;
	Frustration in establishing intergenerational connections
Differences
Motivations	To enhance social cohesion
Benefits	Promoted mental well-being
Challenges		Inadequate engagement
	Role conflict	Role ambiguity