Evaluating intergenerational exchange programs

Creating a Japanese version of the generativity scale

Abstract

This study aimed at developing a Japanese version of generativity scale, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of intergenerational exchange programs. This scale was developed with reference to the Hopkins Generativity Index. In the pre-study, we created a shorter version of the scale that consisted of 4 items and 4 scales. Using factor analysis, we confirmed that all factors of the Cronbach a coefficient had values greater than 0.85. Based on the pre-study, we conducted a random mail survey for 3,000 community-dwelling elderly in Nagahama-City, Shiga Prefecture. We obtained 2092 valid responses (M: 1114, F: 878), and mean age was 71.8 years (± 7.6).Using exploratory factor analysis, we confirmed that the degree of this standard was good (GFI=0.933, AGFI=0.904, RMSEA = 0.075). Furthermore, I confirmed the coexistence validity with the existing standard. In this study, I created the short version of the generativity scale (all 16 items). Further study will be necessary to examine the reliability and validity of this scale to see whether it is suitable and effective in the evaluation of intergenerational programs for the elderly.