2020 Volume 41 Issue 4 Pages 391-399
The purpose of this study was to analyze and consider the current situations and the future expectations of Intergenerational programs between children and elderly in after-school care. This comparative investigation examined after-school care program directors in 1,815 cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan, grouped by size: the metropolis, cities with more than 100,000 people, cities with less than 100,000 people, and rural districts.
Regarding intergenerational activities, the board games, “Shogi” and “Igo” were the most popular activity in the metropolis. For cities with more than 100,000 people, “playing traditional games” was a popular activity along with “musical instruments, music appreciation, and a chorus,” “stories of elderly’s experiences” and “reading books and picture stories.” For cities with less than 100,000 people, “cooking and making sweets” were of interest.
We conclude that it is important to construct Intergenerational programs in after-school care, in a way that meets the needs of both generations, so that everyone can participate without difficulty. The implementation of such activities should be designed in accordance with the expectations of after-school care program directors and in consideration of the living condition of elderly in the various regions.
