Joanna MacFarlane

Citation

Thesis Title
Intergenerational attitudes and experiences of older adults

Intergenerational programmes (IGPs) are structured programmes of activity between non-related older and younger people. They are designed to address an increasingly age segregated society and are shown to have multiple benefits for older people. Ms Macfarlane investigated older adults' experience of IGPs within New Zealand. Using narrative analysis, she found that participation in IGPs provided older people with a life-affirming opportunity, as well as a chance to contribute back to society. Participants found IGPs to be a counter to retirement village living and the associated fear of being 'closed in'. Older adults viewed younger children favourably, although certain roles needed to be enacted in order to enjoy these encounters. Ms Macfarlane's research provides retirement village operators and those considering implementing IGPs valuable information about the unique relationship between pre-schoolers and older people.

Supervisors
Professor Christine Stephens
Professor Joanne Taylor