Intergeneration learning as a dialog in overcoming loneliness of older adults

Irena Žemaitaitytė; Jolanta Pivorienė; Raminta Bardauskienė; Agata Katkonienė

doi:10.6092/issn.1970-2221/15941

Authors

Irena Žemaitaitytė Mykolas Romeris University

Irena Žemaitaitytė, PhD in social sciences (educational science), is professor at Institute of Educational Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Human and Social Studies. She is teaching at bachelor, master and doctoral level at the home university and abroad, has over 20 years’ experience in initiation and implementation of the national and international projects in the fields of lifelong learning, education and learning of older adults. She is a member of the ESREA.
Jolanta Pivorienė Mykolas Romeris University

Jolanta Pivorienė, PhD in social sciences, is associated professor at Institute of Educational Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Human and Social Studies. She is teaching at bachelor, master and doctoral level at the home university and abroad, has over 20 years’ experience in initiation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the national and international projects Scientific interests: social changes, sustainable development.
Raminta Bardauskienė Mykolas Romeris University

Raminta Bardauskienė, PhD in social sciences, is lecture at the Institute of Educational Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Human and Social Studies. She is teaching at bachelor and master level at home university and abroad. She has over 17 years of experience in teaching, national and international (Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus Intensive Programmes etc.) project activities, participation as an expert for preparation or evaluation of national legislation acts.
Agata Katkonienė Mykolas Romeris University

Agata Katkonienė, MA in Social Sciences (Social Work), lecturer at the Institute of Educational Sciences and Social work. She is teaching at bachelor and master level at home university and abroad. Her main subjects are Social Work with Family and Social Work Methodology. She is trainer in social work methods, positive communication methods and applying digital tools in social work process.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1970-2221/15941

Keywords:

intergenerational dialog, intergenerational learning, older adults, loneliness, educational activities

Abstract

Increasing life expectancy and inclusion of older people in care system changes the intergenerational communication. Various professionals such as social workers and caregivers take care of older people needs. Little attention is paid to intergenerational learning and education in social care organizations despite it may help to overcome feeling of loneliness among older people. Loneliness is a negative emotion associated with a perceived gap between existing relationships and desired ones. It is widely recognized as one among the most significant and entrenched issues facing our aging society. The effect of loneliness is harmful to health and increases the risk of disability. Intergenerational links have been identified as an important issue in elderly care. Educational activities for the elderly are offered in various social care institutions in Lithuania. The research data reveal several predominant topics that would be relevant to older learners, such as loneliness, activity of older people, and communication.

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Intergeneration learning as a dialog in overcoming loneliness of older adults

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