The characteristics of tools that successfully facilitate intergenerational exchange in educational and childcare sites

From the viewpoint of elderly life-long learning/life-long learning for the elderly

Abstract

This paper focusses on the REPRINTS picture book reading program as a tool for initiating effective intergenerational exchange, comparing and contrasting with intergenerational tools utilized in other programs. Reading picture books is one way for Japan’s elderly to be involved in continuous volunteer work, predominantly at elementary schools. It represents a method which is attractive to both the elderly and children, and it lends itself to flexibility and innovation when applied in various situations. On the other hand, it is a tool that does have a number of limitations. This paper introduces current approaches in order to evaluate whether it is feasible to make the tool accessible to a wider age-range of children.