Survey of participants’attitudes on intergenerational activity

Abstract

Surveys of participants’ attitudes on intergenerational exchange have been insufficient. This study aimed to understand the attitudes of participants. The Health Promotion Division of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government　hosted a project for older people and children to experience music and sports programs together from September to December 2019. The 312 adult participants completed anonymous self-administered questionnaires on their attitudes towards exchange. Most of the participants expected positive impacts from the exchanges, suggesting these activities may motivate participation. The most common expected effects of the activities for older people were “expressions of happiness,” while for children, they were “gaining respect for older people and a spirit of mutual support” and “improving communication skills.” Most of the older people were not reluctant to take part in the activities. Even those not living with their grandchildren sought many opportunities to interact with the children. While the COVID-19 pandemic affects these exchanges and reinvestigation is needed, these valuable data reflect the participants’ pre-pandemic awareness.