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Multiple impacts of an intergenerational program in J apan: Evidence from the R esearch on P roductivity through I ntergenerational S ympathy P roject
Author(s) -
Yasunaga Masashi,
Murayama Yoh,
Takahashi Tomoya,
Ohba Hiromi,
Suzuki Hiroyuki,
aka Kumiko,
Kuraoka Masataka,
Sakurai Ryota,
Nishi Mariko,
Sakuma Naoko,
Kobayashi Erika,
Shinkai Shoji,
Fujiwara Yoshinori
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12770
Subject(s) - medicine , advertising , food science , chemistry , business
Compelling evidence supporting the benefits of social engagement in older adults has been increasingly discussed. However, knowledge regarding an intergenerational program is limited. Herein, we provide a targeted review of intergenerational programs by focusing on our novel interventional program, R esearch on P roductivity through I ntergenerational S ympathy. The R esearch on P roductivity through I ntergenerational S ympathy program is an intergenerational picture‐book reading program launched in 2004. Participants were involved a 3‐month intensive weekly training seminar comprising classes about book selection, reading techniques and basic knowledge of children's school life. Subsequently, they participated in group activities that involved playing a hand game, and reading picture books to children at kindergartens, elementary schools and public childcare centers, once every 1–2 weeks. The R esearch on P roductivity through I ntergenerational S ympathy program has shown improvement of physical and psychological functioning of older adults and healthy upbringing of children. Similarly, E xperience C orps – designed to train and place volunteers in participating elementary schools for an academic year during which time they assist teachers – also showed positive effects for older adults' health status and the psychological/academic success of young children in the USA . Health promotion efforts for older adults must support social policy for the creation of meaningful service programs for older adults on a large social scale. As such, an intergenerational program based on the concept of social capital, defined as “features of social organization, such as trust, norms and networks, that can improve the efficacy of society by facilitating coordinated actions,” is an effective and sustainable program for health promotion among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16 (Suppl. 1): 98–109.