Coexisting in Intergenerational Shared Site Environments: Behaviors, Attitudes and Lessons Learned

Background: Much of the literature on intergenerational relationships has focused on the interactions between older adults and children during planned activities. Less research has focused on the context of ongoing interactions in intergenerational shared site (IGSS) environments, where children and older adults receive services at the same facility and typically share space and resources on an ongoing basis. This field study examined the behaviors and interactions of older adults and children participating in co-located senior center programs and child care facilities at two community centers.

Methods: Data collection methods included ongoing participant observation, organizational document analysis, and in-depth interviews with service providers at each community center. The data were triangulated and systematically coded and analyzed for themes.

Findings: Although positive informal intergenerational interactions occurred at both centers, many older adults demonstrated negative behaviors and attitudes when their programs shared space and/or relinquished resources to children’s programs.

Implications: The findings suggest that when older adults and children are required to share space in a service environment, careful planning must take place to foster intergenerational equity. In addition, service planners should be aware how the design of IGSS environments may accommodate the developmental needs of both older adults and children. Implications for social work research and practice are provided.