Intergenerational Wellbeing
Improve Intergenerational Wellbeing
Improving intergenerational wellbeing has become an emerging challenge nowadays. First of all, the burden on the healthcare system has been increasing along with the prevalence of chronic diseases, with longer life expectancy and accelerated population ageing. In addition, the transition from extended family to contemporary “nuclear family”, as a result, alienates and estranges the intergenerational relationship. While inadequate intergenerational understanding leaves the generations with stereotyping and prejudice, younger generations may undertake the role of caregivers in the future. Efforts to enhance the community’s wellbeing in an intergenerational approach are of paramount importance.
Since 2018, we have taken up the role of promoting intergenerational wellbeing and launched a 4-year project (Jockey Club Generation Connect Project) in collaboration with three NGOs – Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, St. James’ Settlement and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. A series of programmes based on existing social theories and empirical evidence has been developed, intending to promote healthy ageing and intergenerational solidarity as well as generating knowledge from evidence to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of intergenerational programmes.
The research results show that the project not only helps to enhance intergenerational harmony but also promotes the wellbeing of the populations, furthermore, encourages the older adults to face their old age with a more positive attitude. The project has published a series of books for the public to understand the knowledge generated, experiences gained, and research results of its programmes. Full-text books are available below.
The programmes include “Life Review” (愛故事家庭), “Medical Visit Buddy” (醫健探訪隊) and “Traditional Culture and Health Programmes” (傾心藝作坊). “Life Review” provided an opportunity for the younger generation to review the life of the older adult, meanwhile, to understand the older generation’s contribution to the family and society. “Medical Visit Buddy” recruited undergraduates of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Social Sciences, they conduct health promotion for their partnering older adult through home visits and escort clinics. “Traditional Culture and Health Programmes” organised a variety of themed group activities which allow young people and older adults to experience intergenerational co-existence and collaboration.
Intergenerational Programme Books
