Intergenerational communities: A systematic literature review of intergenerational interactions and older adults' health-related outcomes

Sinan Zhong; Chanam Lee; Margaret J Foster; Jiahe Bian

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113374

Intergenerational communities: A systematic literature review of intergenerational interactions and older adults' health-related outcomes

Soc Sci Med. 2020 Nov:264:113374. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113374. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Authors

Sinan Zhong¹, Chanam Lee², Margaret J Foster³, Jiahe Bian⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-3137, USA. Electronic address: zsn198838@tamu.edu.
² Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-3137, USA. Electronic address: chanam@tamu.edu.
³ Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M University, 4462 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4462, USA. Electronic address: margaretfoster@tamu.edu.
⁴ Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-3137, USA. Electronic address: jiahe.bian@tamu.edu.

PMID: 33017736
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113374

Abstract

Rationale: Population aging is a major societal challenge that the US and many other countries are facing. The roles of intergenerational interactions are being increasingly recognized as important factors influencing health and well-being of older adults and other generations.

Objective: This systematic review paper provides a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge about the impacts of intergenerational activities on older adults' health-related outcomes.

Methods: Literature searches were conducted in October 2019 within MEDLINE, SocIndex, APA PsycInfo, and CINAHL Complete, using a pre-developed list of relevant keywords. Identified papers were reviewed and selected based on the following eligibility criteria: (1) older adults aged 50 or over as the study population, (2) nonfamily member intergenerational interactions as independent variables, (3) older adults' health-related outcomes as dependent variables, and (4) empirical and quantitative studies performed in the US and written in English. A total of 24 out of 22,674 identified articles met these eligibility criteria.

Results: All of the 24 studies focused on evaluating intergenerational programs and their intervention effects. No studies addressed community or environmental interventions/effects. Program-based intergenerational interactions showed positive associations with older adults' physical health, psychosocial health (e.g. reduced depression), cognitive function, social relationships, and well-being/quality of life. Moreover, engagement in intergenerational activities was linked with increased physical and social activities.

Conclusions: This review showed solid evidence supporting the significance of program-based interventions in promoting intergenerational activities and associated health benefits. Significant knowledge gaps are also found resulting from the lack of studies examining the roles of physical environmental interventions/factors, diverse types of intergenerational interactions, and location-driven activities. Such studies can contribute to a better understanding of the specific attributes, both program-based and place-based supports, of the community environment that can promote intergenerational interactions and healthy aging in place.

Keywords: Health behaviors; Health outcomes; Intergenerational interactions; Older adults; Systematic review.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Health Status
Humans
Independent Living*
Interpersonal Relations
Middle Aged
Quality of Life*
Social Environment