Topic 5 Positive Outcomes of Intergenerational Learning for the Older Generation

Intergenerational learning can bring many benefits to older generations. It contributes to increasing self-esteem of older people, improving their well-being and health, reducing possibilities of depression, and providing them a purpose of life at their old age. It further increases their social contacts, develops the ability to socialise with younger generations, contributes to increased problem solving capacity, reduces loneliness, and they tend to feel more a part of the community. They tend to feel more respected and recognised for the positive contributions they made to the community at present, while their past experiences and achievements are being acknowledged.

The social capital benefits gained through intergenerational learning have trickle down effects, where they spill over from one generation to other generations over time. Thus, intergenerational learning programmes increase the social capital of, not only the target group, but all the generations in the community. In the end, intergenerational learning would be a win-win process that fetch benefits to both groups; both generations will learn how to interact with others, show compassion, patience and tolerance. These are essential social skills for any age group for a successful life.