Challenges in Community-specific Intergenerational Program in afterschool childcare system

Abstract

In this research, we carried out a Community-Specific Intergenerational Program in an after-school child care. The changes in degree of interactions between children and elderly contents and practical methods of the program were assessed with a Modified Grounded Theory Approach (M-GTA);. At the introductory phase of the program, tension was observed among participants. The instructive group encountered a development of intimacy between the children and elderly. Then, the participants performed reminiscence and shadow play, both featuring the nature and culture of their habitats. These activities led to sympathy and appreciation for the local community mutually supportive relationship, Mutual acknowledgement between the children and elderly and sense of fulfillment of interaction. However, factors such as degree of comprehension about the program and optimal ways of participation considering the health issues and characters of the elderly need to be taken into consideration for better practice.