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Motivation to Participate in Intergenerational Programs: A Comparison across Different Program Types and Generations

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  • Jiska Cohen-Mansfield

    (Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
    Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
    The Herczeg Institute on Aging, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
    Igor Orenstein Chair for the Study of Geriatrics, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel)

Abstract

Much research has attested to the benefits of intergenerational programs (IGPs) for older and younger participants, but there is a lack of understanding about what motivates them to participate and to persevere. We conducted structured interviews with 83 older (mean age = 77) and 96 younger (mean age = 23) participants who participated in 13 IGPs in Israel, some involving specific topics, and some providing assistance to older adults. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed differences in motivation across generations and program types and compared initial and ongoing motivation to participate. We found differences regarding motivation by age group and program type: Among older participants, interest in the specific subject was a more prevalent motivation in topic-focused groups, while receiving support was more common in assistance groups. Among young persons, motivations relating to obligation, such as receipt of a financial scholarship, and the wish to help others were the most prevalent motivators. Ongoing motivation was often explained by positive intergenerational relationships and enjoyment. For older adults, offering more diverse topic-focused activities may motivate greater participation. For young adults, integrating IGPs within more and different settings, and promoting IGPs as opportunities to help others are potential motivators.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, 2022. "Motivation to Participate in Intergenerational Programs: A Comparison across Different Program Types and Generations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3554-:d:773054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna SundströmPhD & Annelie Nordin Adolfsson & Maria NordinPhD & Rolf AdolfssonMD & Nicole AndersonPhD, CPsych, 2020. "Loneliness Increases the Risk of All-Cause Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(5), pages 919-926.
    2. Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, 2021. "In the Eye of the Beholder: The Impact of Intergenerational Programs from the Perspectives of Their Different Stakeholders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-9, November.
    3. Tan, E.J. & Tanner, E.K. & Seeman, T.E. & Xue, Q.-L. & Rebok, G.W. & Frick, K.D. & Carlson, M.C. & Wang, T. & Piferi, R.L. & McGill, S. & Whitfield, K.E. & Fried, L.P., 2010. "Marketing public health through older adult volunteering: Experience corps as a social marketing intervention," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(4), pages 727-734.
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