This type of intervention, combining education (providing more nuanced and realistic information about aging) and intergenerational contact (connecting different generations), allows people to:

• Integrate and apply what they’ve learned in training, courses and workshops;
• Confirm that this information corresponds to reality; and
• Put into practice new skills, promoting a decrease in age-related stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. 

According to studies, the positive effects of mixed interventions can be nurtured by keeping a journal and organizing reflection sessions or discussions between the participants on their intergenerational experiences. During health and social services training, contact with healthy older adults in an informal, non-care setting (e.g., artistic activities) can be more effective in breaking with ageism. This contact may avoid reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices toward aging and older people, and promote the development of a positive and more authentic relationship. In people under 18, meeting only healthy older people has been found to be less effective in breaking with ageism. These older adults may then be perceived as exceptions, which does not help to deconstruct stereotypes. 

A few examples of initiatives 

A study[1] conducted in China with a group of 78 young people 16 years old on overage and a group of 73 older adults 72 years old on average enabled the younger group to score significantly lower on prejudice and discrimination toward older adults. These outcomes were achieved through a “stimulus” phase where the older group learned about the challenges facing today’s youths and vice versa. With this mutual understanding established, participants then organized an intergenerational activity that took these challenges into account. The project included different stimuli, reflections on what was experienced and learned, phases of intergenerational consolidation, and discussions. The activities positively influenced sharing and contact between the youths and the older adults. They also improved participants’ sense of comfort and solidarity, and facilitated interaction, collaboration and personal relationships between the two parties. 

Another initiative[2], conducted with 23 youth aged 11 and older and 10 old adults, found a decrease in discrimination and a status quo regarding prejudice and stereotypes thanks to the “Bridges Together” program involving storytelling, interviews, arts and leisure activities. Above all, the study revealed the importance of intervening early in children’s development, before stereotypes or prejudices become too entrenched.

Study references : 

[1] Sun, Q., Lou, V. W., Dai, A., To, C., & Wong, S. Y. (2019). The effectiveness of the young–old link and growth intergenerational program in reducing age stereotypes. Research on Social Work Practice, 29(5), 519–528. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731518767319 

[2] Babcock, R. L., MaloneBeach, E. E., & Salomon, H. M. (2018). A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the impact of an intergenerational program on children’s biases toward older adults. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 16(1–2), 123–138. https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2018.1404423