Elsevier

Annales Médico-psychologiques, revue psychiatrique

Original commodity

Benefits and challenges of intergenerational child daycare and senior programs or facilities: A systematic review of the literature Bienfaits et défis des structures d'accueil ou programmes intergénérationnels pour enfants et personnes âgées : une revue systématique de la littérature

Abstract

Background

Given the growing number of dependent elderly and of young children who nourish mean solar day intendance centers, and in order to foster intergenerational links, intergenerational programs (IG) or facilities have been developed. Nevertheless, research in this expanse is still emerging in Europe. Near of the available studies have been carried out in the Usa and focus on the content and modalities of IG programs and their impact on elderly and children.

Aims and methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature aimed at presenting a synthesis of the benefits and challenges related to this type of programme or facility, both for children and the elderly. This systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method and the methodological quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Studies were identified in Feb 2021 from the PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases. Merely scientific articles in French and English published between 1986 and 2020 were selected. Other inclusion criteria were: studies with samples of children upward to 6 years old and adults at least 65 years old; IG programs with at least one weekly IG meeting. We used the following search combination: intergenerational AND nursing domicile OR care homes OR long term intendance OR residential intendance OR aged intendance facility OR child care centers OR daycare OR preschool instruction OR pre-k OR elders OR elderly OR older people OR seniors OR children OR kids OR youth OR child.

Results

The benefits seem quite obvious for the elderly in terms of positive emotions, involvement in activities, and self-esteem. Children also benefit from these intergenerational programs, particularly through a better understanding of the abilities and limitations of the elderly, thereby fostering greater empathy towards them. Several IG programs accept implemented Montessori activities to bring children and elderly together.

Word and decision

Despite the positive impacts described, to attain their goals IG programs demand to see several criteria, particularly appropriate planning that takes into account individual needs and skills, and acceptable staff training. If IG programs are not sufficiently well-prepared, their touch may be naught or even opposite to the expected goals, generating frustration in the elderly or reinforcing stereotypes in the children. Some other risk is the infantilization of the elderly, such as involving them in activities that are inappropriate to their historic period and nobility, or doing things for them rather that promoting their active participation. The selected studies have limitations that should be considered for time to come enquiry. Most studies were conducted on small samples, which prevents from generalizing their results. In add-on, results are oftentimes based on qualitative or subjective data, sometimes apropos only part of the participants. Finally, most of the studies are purely descriptive, and therefore did not allow for pre- and/or post-testing. This literature review can guide practitioners and researchers in defining their IG programs and projects protocols.

Résumé

Au vu du nombre grandissant de personnes âgées dépendantes et d'enfants en bas âge accueillis dans des crèches, et dans le only de favoriser les liens intergénérationnels, des programmes ou établissements intergénérationnels se sont développés. Nous avons réalisé une revue systématique de la littérature afin de présenter une synthèse des effets bénéfiques et des challenges liés à ce type de programme ou structure, à la fois cascade les enfants et les personnes âgées. Les bienfaits semblent assez évidents pour les personnes âgées à la fois en termes d'émotions positives, d'implication dans les activités, et pour leur estime de soi. Les enfants également profitent de ces programmes intergénérationnels, notamment par une meilleure compréhension des capacités et limites des personnes âgées, ce qui favorise une plus forte empathie à leur égard. Ces programmes doivent toutefois répondre à plusieurs critères pour atteindre leurs objectifs, particulièrement une préparation appropriée, tenant compte des compétences et besoins individuels, et une germination adéquate du personnel. Les études sélectionnées dans cette revue comportent des limites qui seront à prendre en compte dans de futurs travaux de recherche. Cette revue de littérature peut guider les praticiens et porteurs de projets dans la définition de leurs programmes et protocoles de recherche.

Keywords

Kid

Elderly

Establishment and service for the elderly

Intergenerational human relationship

Literature paper

Nursery

Satisfaction

Stereotype

Mots clés

Crèche

Enfant

Établissement et service cascade personne âgée

Relation intergénérationnelle

Revue de la littérature

Personne âgée

Satisfaction

Stéréotype

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