A Review of Nonfamilial Intergenerational Programs on Changing Age Stereotypes and Well-Being in East Asia

ABSTRACT

This paper examines whether nonfamilial intergeneration programs reduce age stereotyping and increase the well-being of both youth and older adults in five East Asian communities. We used the systematic review method and screened 2,261 abstracts, selecting 14 publications for full review. Studies reported positive attitudinal changes among young and old participants. The intergeneration programs generally covered one of two themes: art activities or cultural heritage. Three best practices that can enhance intervention effectiveness were pre-intervention training, maintaining the intensity of the intervention on a weekly base, and pair-wise matching between the two stakeholders. More studies are recommended to test intergenerational programs with randomized designs and a wider age range of young participants. Culturally specific intergenerational contact theory is also in need of development, particularly “status concern” between the young and old generation.

KEYWORDS:

• Age stereotypes
• East Asia
• intergenerational interaction
• well-being

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our gratitude for the support and guidance of Dr. Terry Lum and the academic team from Sau Po Centre on Ageing, University of Hong Kong.

Notes

¹ Originally, we included Mainland China. However, we found no studies from Mainland China evaluating nonfamilial intergenerational programs.