Understanding Intergenerational Interactions Between Older Adults and Children: Expert Opinions About the Roles of Community Environments.

Abstract

The US Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation a new public health epidemic. Intergenerational interactions can alleviate loneliness and isolation. To explore factors affecting and being affected by intergenerational interactions, we conducted interviews with 41 academic and professional experts in the US. The "4Ps" framework of social marketing (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) was used to guide the data analysis. Experts reported benefits or positive outcomes (Product), including improved connectivity/cohesion and intergenerational learning, and risks or concerns (Price) like noise exposure and criminal danger. Experts also highlighted the importance of environmental factors (Place), such as shared public spaces, diverse housing options, and safe, walkable, and accessible environments. They mentioned that personal, social, programmatic, and policy factors (Promotion) are important for intergenerational interactions. Further research is needed to engage other stakeholder groups and investigate the causal impacts of readily modifiable environmental features and how such impacts may vary across diverse population groups.