The Benefit Of Intergenerational Interactions On Geriatric Patient Satisfaction And Well-Being

Abstract

This project aimed to address social isolation, decreased morale, and negative perceptions of healthcare in older adult communities such as assisted and independent living facilities by introducing intergenerational interactions as an intervention. This intervention, which took place in Spring 2019, was a component of a course taught by Elizabeth Glisky, PhD of the Department of Psychology. The students of the class visited an assigned elder at three different sites in Tucson, and spent some time interacting with their elders and learning about their lives. The college students then created “Life Story” booklets for the adults with whom they interacted. Questionnaires addressing the older adults’ psychological well-being, level of depressive symptoms, and perception of care they receive from their primary care provider were administered before and after the intervention. There were marginally significant improvements in overall psychological well-being and in the subcategory of autonomy. There were no changes in depression or perceptions of care. Although the main goal of this study was to improve older adults’ perceptions of their relationship with their primary care provider by increasing comfort in interacting with younger adults, we were unable to observe such changes. Possible reasons for this null finding are suggested in the discussion.