Aging & Social Change: Fourteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Intergenerational exercise programs have been found to promote physical and psychosocial health in older adults. More specifically, research has found intergenerational dynamics to positively influence motivation for older adults to exercise more regularly, and an increase in younger adults’ confidence and skills when developing and leading exercise programs.To further enhance intergenerational exchange dynamics, it is essential to understand how age cohorts perceive and experience one another. This study explores and compares insights from young and older adults having completed an intergenerational, community-based exercise program. Qualitative data was collected from exercise program participants via semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with older adults (n=26) and reflective writings produced by young adults (n=26) and were thereafter coded and analyzed to identify significant concepts and emerging trends. Thematic qualitative analysis derived from older adults found initial barriers to exercise included lack of motivation, existing conditions/poor health, and time constraints. For this same group, leading motivational reasons to participate included social engagement with young adults and each other, maintaining/increasing strength, and the importance of staying active. Data from younger adults reported an increased understanding of older adults’ capacity and willingness to exercise while providing meaningful opportunities for personal growth and enhanced self-efficacy of younger participants. Interestingly, comparing data across younger and older adults surfaced some common trends, including a serendipitous appreciation and respect for the capacity of the ‘other’ age cohort. These findings can be used to support best practices when developing exercise interventions using intergenerational pairing dynamics.