Intergenerational Programming on a Multi-Generational Play Park and its Impact on Older Adults

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Dawson, A. (2017). Intergenerational Programming on a Multi-Generational Play Park and its Impact on Older Adults. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

Intergenerational programming between children and older adults have been shown to make significant contributions to older adults’ overall wellbeing. However, it is uncommon to find in research the combination of active aging and intergenerational programming. It is even more rare to find research about intergenerational programming on multi-generational play parks. Because of this gap, this study focuses on comparing a control group, an active control group with those participating in an on-going exercise class offered at a senior center, and an experimental group taking part in an active intergenerational program on a multi-generational play park. Identical pre-tests and post- tests that evaluated health, physical activity, and variables of older adults’ overall wellbeing were given to all research participants to determine if there were any significant changes between the groups. Fifteen older adults (n = 15) aged 55 and older participated in this five-week study. Key findings revealed educational disparities, a decrease in feeling down-hearted and blue, an increase of participants believing that they have better health because they exercise, and an increase of feeling accomplished when a task is completed in participating groups.

Details
Author

Dawson, Amanda

Title

Intergenerational Programming on a Multi-Generational Play Park and its Impact on Older Adults

Physical Description

1 online resource (93 pages) : PDF

Date

2017

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Intergenerational programming between children and older adults have been shown to make significant contributions to older adults’ overall wellbeing. However, it is uncommon to find in research the combination of active aging and intergenerational programming. It is even more rare to find research about intergenerational programming on multi-generational play parks. Because of this gap, this study focuses on comparing a control group, an active control group with those participating in an on-going exercise class offered at a senior center, and an experimental group taking part in an active intergenerational program on a multi-generational play park. Identical pre-tests and post- tests that evaluated health, physical activity, and variables of older adults’ overall wellbeing were given to all research participants to determine if there were any significant changes between the groups. Fifteen older adults (n = 15) aged 55 and older participated in this five-week study. Key findings revealed educational disparities, a decrease in feeling down-hearted and blue, an increase of participants believing that they have better health because they exercise, and an increase of feeling accomplished when a task is completed in participating groups.

Genre

masters theses

Subjects--Topics

Gerontology
Aging

Degree

M.A.

Keywords

Active Aging
Age-Friendly
Intergenerational
Multi-Generational Play Parks

Subject Area

Gerontology

Advisor(s)

Turner, Michael

Committee Members

Blowers, Anita
Montoro-Rodriguez, Julian

Degree Note

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2017.

Rights Statement

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Dawson_uncc_0694N_11583

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:347