The ageing population in India is growing very fast and creating many challenges like weak social security, loneliness, and declining family support. Intergenerational Programs (IGP) are seen as a promising strategy because they bring together young and old for mutual learning, emotional care, and community strength.
This study tried to see the feasibility and effect of a community-based, low-cost, sustainable intergenerational model co-developed through participatory methods with rural communities in 18 villages of rural Maharashtra. We used a mixed methods design, both qualitative and quantitative. Over 3 years, qualitative data was collected through more than 30 Focus Group Discussions, 40 In-depth Interviews, spider web analysis, Force field analysis with 190 participants, and Most Significant Change stories. Quantitative data included Quality of Life, Social capital, Generativity, and Self-care assessment on 520 elderly, stratified into two groups (60–70 years and above 70 years).

Findings showed that the program improved communication and bonding between generations, community events created respect for older people, and local leaders helped in facilitation. Barriers came from agricultural workload, health problems, and mobile phone usage by youth. Quantitative scores generally showed a small decline in quality of life, self-care, and generativity over three years, but some stability in social capital. Elder-child interactions improved in the 60–70 group but reduced among the>70 group.

In conclusion, the community intergenerational program is feasible and socially acceptable, and it improves community connectedness through its effect on measurable outcomes like quality of life, which requires longer follow-up.

Authors:
Arjunkumar Jakasania, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, India
Subodh Gupta, Mahatma Gandhi institute of Medical Sciences, India
Anuj Mundra, Mahatma Gandhi institute of Medical Sciences, India
Radhika Sharma, Mahatma Gandhi institute of Medical Sciences, India
Manashri Bhuyar, Mahatma Gandhi institute of Medical Sciences, India
Chetna Maliye, Mahatma Gandhi institute of Medical Sciences, India

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Arjun Jakasania is an associate Professor of Community Medicine at MGIMS. My interests are ageing and intergenerational programs. I am currently leading an ICMR-funded project in 100 villages (1 million population) and guiding a thesis on ageism

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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