The elderly and children, grandparents and grandchildren: meetings between generations

Abstract

The data published by Istat in 2020 (and referred to 2018-2019) show that Italy is getting older and older. Scholars wondered how to improve the living conditions of the elderly population and intergenerational education seemed to be the right answer. Research in the last twenty years have shown that the meeting between the elderly and children brings benefits to both generations: in the elderly, it has a positive effect against loneliness, depression and anxiety; in the child, it leads to overcoming stereotypes and prejudices and generates a different image of old age. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the elderly the most, bringing out a new interest in this part of the population and highlighting their fragility and needs. The professional educator of the next future is therefore called upon to act actively to improve the living conditions of the elderly population, planning intergenerational activities which, at the same time, also have a positive effect on children.