Tanisha Gandhi
Have we witnessed a decline in intergenerational connections? And does it truly matter? Are there underlying factors and societal shifts that have contributed to the decline of intergenerational connections, and how can we address them? In what ways do intergenerational connections contribute to personal growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging?
These profound questions serve as the foundation of our exploration at Vancouver Arts Colloquium Society (VACS). With a keen understanding of the significance of intergenerational relationships as a driving force for human flourishing, we embark on a deep dive into these thought-provoking themes. Through a unique and immersive “natural experiment,” we center our focus on observing the evolution of an emerging community—a self-assembled group of adult learners originating from diverse backgrounds. Their shared objective is the collective enhancement of their individual practices, transcending the boundaries of discipline or field.
Our documentary, “Hidden Flowers,” serves as a vehicle for delving into the essence of co-creation and its profound implications. We dare to question whether it is possible to cultivate a space where the freedom of self-expression and the unity of purpose can harmoniously coexist. In our exploration, we seek to shed light on the significance of fostering intergenerational connections and cultivating an environment that nurtures personal growth while embracing collaborative endeavours.
We want to highlight the value of intergenerational activity and how it can be facilitated. Some questions we reflect on before this project begins include: How do social isolation and ageism affect older adults in Vancouver, and what are their most pressing unmet needs? Additionally, why is Vancouver still perceived as an isolating city, and what essential elements does it lack to address these challenges?
To address the initial questions posed, we must first grasp the current state of intergenerational connections and the impact of any existing gaps. By examining these dynamics, we can begin to uncover the transformative potential that lies within the realm of intergenerational co-creation. As we develop our documentary project, we address several of the issues and gaps in an intergenerational context. We use the Intergenerational Intervention Evidence Gap Map (EGM) (Campbell, et al., 2023) as a foundation for the research of this project. The interactive map showcases comprehensive research on intergenerational interventions, highlighting the types of interventions studied and the evaluated outcomes for different age groups and communities. It also provides insights into potential harmful impacts, costs, and challenges associated with these interventions. This map will aid us when formulating our hypotheses and the key learning goals of our project.
We at VACS hope to study the transition of recent retirees (between 50s to late 60s), or “midlife transitioners,” reforming their identity amidst societal barriers. Working closely with adult continuing studies students of many different cultural backgrounds, several common challenges immediately emerged from their initial interviews: difficulty connecting with people, a diminishing friendship circle post-working age, a shared sentiment of Vancouver’s reputation as an ingenuine, more reserved city, and self-doubt regarding self-expression. A significant gap observed through conversing with the students is the lack of intergenerational connection in Canadian society and how imperative that is towards bridging generational disconnections and removing biases when co-creating.
This made us reexamine the key questions and ethos of our project. Could a lack of intergenerational connection be what’s holding Vancouver back? Do sufficient spaces and opportunities exist in Vancouver that could unlock the potential for creating meaningful intergenerational connections? Could this be what causes the social isolation of seniors and youth and widespread ageism? How can we approach this issue?
It is first important to define several key terms, such as ageism, social isolation, and loneliness. Ageism, another form of Bigotry (Butler 1969), defines ageism as a process of individual or systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old (Butler 1969). The World Health Organization’s Global Report on Ageism(WHO 2021) notes an alarming statistic of one out of every two people harbouring ageist beliefs. Whereas social isolation is a situation that leads to feelings of loneliness. According to a report published by the Vancouver Seniors Advisory Committee (2018), social isolation among older adults is prevalent in Vancouver and has led to increased loneliness, mental health issues, and reduced access to essential services. Ageism can be both explicit and implicit (WHO 2021) and can take the form of prejudices (feelings), discrimination (actions), and stereotypes (thoughts). It is important to be conscious of the language of ageism. A study (Gendron, et al., 2016) by the Gerontological Society of America illustrates this and emphasizes the importance of words by analyzing hundreds of tweets to identify discriminatory language. Statements such as “She maintains great health and keeps a daily activity that very few people at her age are able to accomplish” reinstates negative stereotypes of older people. The most common stereotypes against older individuals right now include: rigid, technologically incompetent, and unproductive. However, harmful stereotypes such as these are often manifested into reality, as both conscious and unconscious ageist perceptions are internalized (Ayalon, et al., 2017) and impact older people’s physical and mental well-being.
Yet, these beliefs and stereotypes can be very harmful. A study (Baer, et al., 2012) has shown an increased need for cognition after retirement. Those who engage in a variety of cognitive activities are associated with better cognitive function later and lower cognitive stimulation symptoms of depression. This highlights the importance of maintaining cognitive health through meaningful programs for young seniors. Additionally, a study (Fu, et al,. 2018) of individuals in their 60s in China showed a cross-sectional association between increased social interaction and cognitive function. Research has shown the lack of supportive social networks has been linked to a 60% increase in the risk of dementia and cognitive decline (Fratiglioni, et al., 2000). Additionally, insufficient social opportunity leads to engaging in unhealthy behaviours such as drinking, smoking, and unhealthy diets (Miedema 2014).
However these scary statistics could impact us all, as maintaining the health of seniors is beneficial to all sectors of life. For example in Canada, older citizens contribute immensely to the economy by raising millions for charities or creating economic value through volunteer work (The Conference Board of Canada 2018). There are also many advantages to hiring older adults, with their years of experience and expertise. A recent review (Boscart, et al., 2018) shows that there is a need for improved skills in age-related fields across all fields. Hence, the implementation of more inclusive activity may aid the transition recent retirees face while mitigating the effects of harmful ageist stereotypes.
With this foundation established, we are able to utilize these findings to analyze the growing ageist sentiment in Vancouver and how to combat the discontent felt among older adults. Approximately one-fifth to one-quarter (Vancouver Senior Advisory 2018) of middle-aged and young-old adults experience moderate loneliness. There are several risk factors that affect older adults in Vancouver; these are categorized on the individual, relational, and societal levels. Some examples of these include attitudes and beliefs, diversity of social ties, and aging in place/housing issues. These factors are deeply interconnected, as seen through a study conducted in Alameda County, USA (Balfour, et al., 2002), which showed that one’s neighbourhood environment influences functional health at an older age (Balfour, et al., 2002). The study showed results that Living in a neighbourhood with many obstacles and few resources can create a cycle of reduced activity and declines in physical health, essentially accelerating the aging process (Balfour, et al., 2002).
The issue of age-segregated housing results in several seniors living in more isolated neighbourhoods, which may have the aforementioned health effects. Age-segregated housing may result from several causes, and shows When housing is not evenly available in different areas; it leads to age-segregated housing. This separation (Sabater, et al., 2022) may have adverse consequences on how different groups in society get along and feel connected to one another. (Sabater, et al., 2022). As Vancouver’s housing crisis skyrockets, it is especially tolling on the city’s aging population. The article Growing Number of Vancouver-area Seniors facing housing Crisis (Gold 2020) exhibits this. The article takes into account first-hand perspectives of older Vancouver citizens, some of whom have been forced into homeless shelters. Jenny Konkin, president of Whole Way Society, says, “We are letting our seniors become homeless” (Konkin 2020).
The lack of intergenerational space in Vancouver housing has posed a serious hindrance to the well-being of seniors. It has caused a harmful shift in attitudes and biases towards seniors as well as young people. According to Social-Learning Theory (Bandura 1977), people’s beliefs are learned through observation, for example, through unconscious behaviour and bias shown by mentors. In this sense, it is vital that Vancouver implements more intergenerational spaces, especially in the face of the rising housing crisis. Monogenerational housing design in Canada (Nelischer, et al., 2022) has been heavily critiqued for unevenly emphasizing or misunderstanding overlaps and synergistic needs between various age groups. These effects also negatively affect children as well, whose public space is often kept ‘out of the way’ from interfering with working-class people (Nelischer, et al., 2022).
This phenomenon is particularly important as studies (Ruggles, 2007) also show that there has been a decline intergenerational co-residence over the past 150 years, which has had adverse effects on attitude. Ruggles suggests that increased opportunities for the geographical independence of youth have led to a long-term shift in social norms, away from traditional family values and desires to co-reside. The gradual transition away from traditional family values in Western culture is evident through the local treatment of seniors in comparison to that of Asian countries. A study (Vauclair, et al., 2017) comparing ageism in Taiwan and the UK found that Tawainese youth scored higher on having perceptions of competence, admirability, and overall warmth towards seniors. The study suggests that this may be attributed to Taiwan’s more traditional cultural values, which hold older people in higher esteem.
Since this decline brings more disconnect, the opposite must be done to stop it. As mentioned previously, much of our research has stemmed from the Intergenerational Intervention Evidence Gap Map (EGM) (Campbell, et al., 2023). An example includes a study (Kranz, et al., 2021) done by the Department of Psychology of Tier University in Germany that examines how intergenerational programs affect the attitudes toward older people. The study attempted to combat cross-generational age stereotyping (CGAS) or ageism by facilitating Life Story Encounter Program (LSEP) between secondary students and nursing home residents. Unfavourable views of ‘too old’ and ‘too young’ inhibit intergenerational outreach and fortifies CGAS. The project used a longitudinal design and aimed to analyze the impact of the LSEP on CGAS. Using a biographical-narrative approach, it tries to facilitate meaningful conversations between teenagers and older individuals (Kranz, et al., 2021). Using the ASD (Aging Semantic Differential) when comparing the pre/pose CGAS, both younger and older participants reported a more positive perception of the other generation. Additionally, while some reformed attitudes faded, the positive CGAS change was detectable and stable at checkpoints 3-6 months down the road (Kranz, et al., 2021).
Building on this idea, there is an even more pressing need for intergenerational collaboration and activity. A review of the impacts of intergenerational engagement (Krzeczkowska, et al., 2021) shows benefits such as increased physical activity levels, improved cognitive health, and enhanced emotional well-being among older adults. It also highlights the positive effects on intergenerational attitudes, promoting positive perceptions and reducing age-related stereotypes. Our project aims to utilize art as a catalyst for change and to rally behind causes that deeply resonate with our members, more specifically, as this facilitates a new space for expression (Adams 2020). There are several studies which examine the cognitive and emotional benefits of art for older adults. The study Art Therapy and Neuroscience Blend: Working with Patients Who Have Dementia (Stewart 2011) describes the profound cognitive effects art therapy can have on individuals suffering memory loss and provides a sensory-based form of communication exempt from communicative barriers of age.
This initial research, which includes various studies found on the Gap Map, marks the beginning of an ongoing journey in intergenerational co-creation. As we attempt to answer our initial questions, our key findings of this essay highlight the decline of intergenerational connections and the importance of addressing this issue. Factors such as changing family structures, societal shifts, and ageist attitudes have contributed to the decline of intergenerational connections. But where do we go from here? We are now left with the question of how one may turn this research into practice. We emphasize the need for more intergenerational activities and communities as a means to bridge generational gaps, combat ageism, and promote personal health and a sense of belonging. The implementation of intergenerational programs, the creation of intergenerational public spaces, and the fostering of meaningful connections between different age groups are crucial steps in addressing this decline and promoting intergenerational collaboration. Through our documentary project, “Hidden Flowers,” we hope to implement these practices and discover the transformative power of co-creation. Moving forward, several questions arise: How does art contribute to our collective understanding and influence health? How can intergenerational connections foster a more inclusive society?
The Colloquium 