Desk Research

In the course of the GUM project 39 best practices on intergenerational activities were identified. The best practices originated from several countries as displayed in Table 1.

Besides the best practices a scoping review was performed on scientific literature. To narrow down the search we mainly looked for literature reviews on intergenerational programmes. This finally resulted in 17 reviews and individual papers. In the end, 5 studies remained incorporating both age groups and describing intergenerational exercise programmes.

Based on the analysis template a short overview is provided on programme objectives, content, outcomes, barriers and behavioural change models (and principles). The analysis was performed on both the best practices and scientific papers. For a complete overview of the analysis and further reading, see Appendix 2.

Objectives

Out of all the programmes a wide variety of objectives could be extracted. Several programmes had multiple objectives. They can be distinguished into 7 categories having to do with health (n=16) and well-being (n=3), participation in sports and physical activity (n=15), social aspects (n=23), cognitive/ mental/social/emotional functioning (n=5), learning (n=9) and fun (n=2).

Programme content

6.4. 6.5.

one-day activities to one-week festivals, for instance. Furthermore, some programmes were organised at a small local level (e.g., Chair Yoga, Easy Tai Chi), whereas others were implemented at a national or even international level (e.g., Generation Games). The ways how youngsters and seniors got together were very diverse. In some programmes, activities were organised for both age groups. In other programmes, one of the two age groups acted as trainer/ facilitator.

Outcomes

The outcomes are mainly related to the objectives and also show a wide variety, but are even more diverse. Most reports on the programmes do not show specific results on the outcomes. Additional outcomes are e.g. motivation, perception of the other generation, development of skills, sense of usefulness and self-esteem.

Barriers

Barriers and challenges mentioned in the best practices mostly related to available time, logistics, available budget/funding, volunteers and motivation. Furthermore, stakeholder engagement is an aspect not to be overlooked, just as sustainability of a programme. A few programmes reported not experiencing any barriers.

6.6.

Behavioural Change Models

Only a few of the best practices and scientifically reported programs describe the use of a behavioural change model in the design of the programme. It is interesting to note that they have used different models and different guiding principles in the designs. From scientific literature, six models emerged:

1. Model of intergenerational engagement

2. Age integration theory

3. Social cognitive theory

4. CBPR (community based participatory research) approach

5. Whole Person Wellness Model (WPWM)

6. Transtheoretical model

Guiding principles from the best practices were the following:

1. Cooperation vs competition (Activities which require cooperation between age groups not competition. Sharing goals between age groups encourages cooperation.)

2. Shared goals (for all age groups)

3. Adjusting to target group (adjust the activity to the competence and needs of the target groups)

4. Proximity of location (activities are more appealing if they are taking place at a location nearby)

5. Easy access (physical activities in the public space, no need to be a member, etc.)

6. Certificate after completion (provide a certificate or diploma after participating in a programme or activity)

7. Buddy system (having a buddy motivates to engage in programmes and activities)

8. Simple (organise simple activities, make it low key to participate)

9. Engaging (activities should be fun and inclusive)

10. Non-structured (not competitive, easy to participate, join when you want)

11. Diversity of activities (make sure to offer a wide variety of activities)

12. Consistency in activities (make sure to align the activities being offered)