Intergenerational programs are rapidly gaining traction as a means to bridge the gap between different age groups, offering mutual benefits for both young and older participants. However, implementing these programs effectively requires a deep understanding of evidence-based practices. The recent scoping review titled Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Intergenerational Programming: A Scoping Review sheds light on this very topic, providing valuable insights for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and program outcomes.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices
The review identifies 15 key evidence-based practices that are crucial for the success of intergenerational programs. These practices include incorporating mechanisms of friendship, selecting or modifying environments for engagement, providing training to staff or participants, fostering empathy, promoting cooperation, offering meaningful roles, and utilizing technology.
- Mechanisms of Friendship: Encourage self-disclosure and consistent contact among participants to build genuine connections.
- Selecting the Environment: Modify physical spaces to support interaction and engagement.
- Training: Equip staff and participants with the necessary skills to facilitate successful interactions.
- Fostering Empathy: Challenge stereotypes and promote understanding between age groups.
- Technology Use: Leverage technology to bridge generational gaps and facilitate communication.
The Role of Scoping Reviews
A scoping review is an invaluable tool for synthesizing available evidence-based practices and identifying gaps in the literature. This method allows researchers and practitioners to gain a comprehensive understanding of what works in intergenerational programming and what areas require further exploration. By systematically reviewing peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2019, the study highlights practices that have demonstrated significant impact on program outcomes.
The Path Forward: Implementing and Researching Further
The findings from this scoping review emphasize the need for rigorous implementation research to advance evidence-based intergenerational practice. Practitioners are encouraged to integrate these practices into their current programs while remaining open to new strategies that may emerge from ongoing research.
The study also calls for more diverse stakeholder involvement in research, including child participants and family caregivers. By expanding the scope of research to include these groups, practitioners can gain a more holistic understanding of intergenerational program dynamics.
If you're a practitioner looking to enhance your intergenerational program or are simply interested in learning more about effective strategies, diving deeper into this research is a must. The original study provides a wealth of information that can guide your efforts in creating impactful intergenerational connections.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link.
