Development and Implementation of an Intergenerational Bonding Program in a Co-Located Model: A Case Study in Singapore

• Published in: Social sciences (Basel) Vol. 11; no. 12; p. 557
• Main Authors: Yeh, I-Ling, Wong, Sebastian Ye Xun, Safaruan, Lydia Safrina Binte, Kang, Yuan Qi, Wong, May S. T, Wilson, Ingrid M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-11-2022
• Subjects: Age; Aged; Aging; Attachment behavior; Case studies; case study; COVID-19; Cultural heritage; Equipment and supplies; File sharing; Generations; Global Positioning System; healthy ageing; intergenerational bonding; Intergenerational relations; Intergenerational relationships; Nurses; Nursing homes; Older people; Psychological aspects; Quality of life; Services; Singapore; Social aspects; Social interaction; Social isolation; Social networks; Sustainable development; Well being; Singapore; East Asia
• ISSN: 2076-0760; 2076-0760
• DOI: 10.3390/socsci11120557

There is a well-established body of evidence that intergenerational bonding programs (IGPs) can improve the overall well-being of older adults and strengthen relationships and understanding between generations. There is limited literature on the experience of IGPs in an Asian context, despite many of these countries facing faster rates of population ageing than other Western countries. In Singapore, intergenerational bonding is a priority in national efforts to encourage successful ageing. This paper presents a case study of the development and implementation of a co-located (shared site) model IGP in Singapore. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders, the aim of this case study is to present the realities of the evolution of an IGP from conceptualisation through to implementation, and used the nursing home’s COVID-19 experience to illustrate issues of sustainability affecting IGPs with vulnerable populations. The findings will inform the development and implementation of similar future programs.