Marta Gonçalves, Alan Hatton-Yeo and Diana Farcas
The purpose of this paper is to present a programme developed and tested in Portugal under this new paradigm where young adults (18-30) and old adults (over 65) learn research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a programme developed and tested in Portugal under this new paradigm where young adults (18-30) and old adults (over 65) learn research skills together.
Design/methodology/approach
The structure of the learning experience consists in a six-month training course for lay people in research skills in three specific areas of family, mental health and intergenerational relationships. In order to apply the acquired research and intervention knowledge, participants work in intergenerational groups on a small research project.
Findings
Results from the first two editions of the programme indicate benefits of mutual reciprocity in the contribution to tackle ageism and trust between generations.
Research limitations/implications
The potential practice implications for this type of intergenerational programme are significant, considering the increasing aging population in Portugal and the high ageism present. However, the authors may ask if the encountered results are the same with another type of learning subject. Therefore, the authors recommend a replication of this study/programme in other fields.
Practical implications
An integrated active ageing goes from a senior cultural entertainment to a public policy intervention sustained over time, reducing costs in terms of health, education and social services.
Social implications
Ageism, that is to say discrimination against people because of their age, is an enormous social problem. The new intergenerational learning paradigm can help to address this by emphasizing the importance of the intergroup contact between generations where each group can learn from and teach the other.
Originality/value
The authors can say that these first two editions of the Intergenerational University was a first outlook of how the authors can innovate learning processes at universities and bring research to the public. It is a methodology of social responsibility universities may adopt.
Details
Keywords
Matthew Kaplan, Elizabeth Larkin and Alan Hatton-Yeo
Intergenerational programs and practices refer to a wide range of initiatives which aim to bring people of different generations together to interact, educate, support, and…
Abstract
Intergenerational programs and practices refer to a wide range of initiatives which aim to bring people of different generations together to interact, educate, support, and provide care for one another. Insofar as there is such rapid growth in intergenerational program activity taking place at the national and international levels, it is pertinent to wonder how we can cultivate innovative, effective leaders in a variety of professional roles and settings. This article explores various conceptions about how to prepare and inspire intergenerational professionals. Beyond focusing on the set of skills and knowledge that practitioners need to function effectively, we argue that there are certain personal dispositions that are integral to leadership in this field. To illustrate how passion, what the authors call the p-factor, contributes to exemplary intergenerational practice, several examples are provided of intergenerational professionals who emanate this quality. Implications for preparing future intergenerational leaders are considered.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in intergenerational approaches to promote greater understanding and interaction between the generations to achieve mutual…
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in intergenerational approaches to promote greater understanding and interaction between the generations to achieve mutual benefit. This article provides and introduction to the topic, looks at the impact of intergenerational projects and provides an overview of the policy and practice context.
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Guojun Wang, Xing Su and Alan Hatton‐Yeo
The article's aim is to provide an overview of how care will be financed in the future in China as a consequence of changes in society.
Abstract
Purpose
The article's aim is to provide an overview of how care will be financed in the future in China as a consequence of changes in society.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is a descriptive review describing the responses and systems of funding that are being developed in China to address changes in care support structures and systems particularly in response to the single child policy and the impact of the increased financial aspirations of young Chinese people.
Findings
Traditional systems of support for elders have been weakened by changes in social structure and there is a need to develop new models of care and methods to finance this through both the state and insurance schemes. One consequence of change has been increasing numbers of elders living by themselves.
Social implications
The one child policy has not only reduced the capacity of families to support their elders but has also caused an imbalance in the ratio of male to female children. It has now become essential to develop models of non‐familial support for elders to complement traditional systems.
Originality/value
The article provides an insight into the challenges facing China around elder care as a consequence of social policy change and increased economic mobility.
Details
Keywords
Marta Gonçalves, Alan Hattton-Yeo and Carla Branco
The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits and challenges of the advocacy group for intergenerational policies that was created in Portugal in 2012, the European Year of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits and challenges of the advocacy group for intergenerational policies that was created in Portugal in 2012, the European Year of Active Ageing and solidarity between generations.
Design/methodology/approach
The group conducted nine closed group meetings scheduled every three months with an average attendance of five members and six public events bringing together researchers, policy makers, practitioners and civil society.
Findings
The group was established as a response to the various social changes happening in Portugal as a consequence of the ageing population, low-birth rate and migration, leading to the need to explore new responses which are based both on the need to promote active ageing and intergenerational solidarity and also the importance of family and state support to multigenerational families as a building block to strengthen communities.
Research limitations/implications
The paper sets the context of the changing social situation in Portugal, describes the process used through both closed and public meetings to discuss this and then describes the perspectives of four core groups.
Practical implications
Only by pooling resources and thinking intergenerationally will we be able to deliver the opportunities and support that the citizens will need to enable them to age well across the life course.
Social implications
Drawing on this and the strong tradition of the family in Portugal it seeks to make the case that an
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ntergenerational approach is essential to the countries future social well-being.
Originality/value
The creation of the advocacy group created a private space for professionals to explore and strengthen their understanding of the impact of these issues and the potential of approaching policy as an intergenerational issue as one solution.