The Application of Cultural Elements to an Intergenerational Service Program for Promoting an Elderly Social Support System and Enhanced Community Cohesion

Research background and Issues: In modern society extended families are no longer the norm. It is not uncommon that older adults do not live together with their younger family members in their communities. The significantly increased older populations living alone in community’s has raised some fundamental issues, including family relationships, generation stereotypes, and community revitalization. Intergenerational programs served by community organizations give us the opportunity to bring older and younger generations back together. In addition, it allows us to create a strong sense of community as a whole and to empower residents engaging in community revitalization.

Study objectives: The Tea Ceremony is often associated with the arts, culture, and philosophy. Specifically, it represents a sign of respect, a way of family gathering, a form of apology and deep thanks, as well as a symbol of value. This paper presents a case study of a multi-sectors collaborative service program, “Humanities Tea Ceremony” in a local community in mid-Taiwan. It aims to show how the cultural elements could be applied to the intergenerational service program that helps to build the social support system for the elderly in their neighborhoods. In addition, it facilitates community cohesion.   

Methods: Data for this study was gathered from 3 sources, including 1) on-site observations, 2) focus groups with staff and managers of 5 participating organizations, and in-depth interviews with 8 people, young and old, who participate in the service program with several randomly selected residents, and 3) archival documents, including minutes from meetings, organization memos and program manuals, amongst other sources.

Results: This study’s results showed that the “Humanities Tea Ceremony” service program has changed the stereotypes of younger generations toward older populations in their communities and improved connections between generations. Community residents, by learning the essence of the Tea Ceremony, cared more about senior citizens and developed social support networks for the elderly in their neighborhoods. Moreover, there has been a revival of interest in Teaism in the community. This fashion, in turn, helped to promote citizen participation and facilitated community revitalization.

Conclusions and Implications: This study provides important implications for social work practice. It suggests that tea is more than a drink in many Asian countries. “Humanities Tea Ceremony” as an intergenerational program when integrated into the community culture could facilitate connections between older and younger generations and help to develop a better elderly social support system. In addition, it could help promote community cohesion.