Analysis of the 12 identified good cases in the field of intergenerational collaboration projects and activities

We decided to make an analysis of the 12 identified good examples in detail during the second face to face meeting of our project, where we met with partners in Groningen, the Netherlands. At the meeting, where 6 countries were represented, we divided the partners and their countries into various groups, allowing for a fruitful discussion.

For about an hour, we analysed all 12 practices by focusing on 3 main questions: 1) What works?, 2) Why does it work?, and 3) What are the barriers and challenges? After the group discussions, all groups gave a short presentation of their findings/analysis.

What works?

Out of all the good practices some working principles were extracted. According to our analysis on the 12 selected practices, here are the working principles that lead to a successful implementation of an intergenerational activity/project:

1. Combined training: It seems that bringing two different trainings or combining different activities work very well; e.g., combining music and movement.

2. Creating a buddy system: Participants feel more engaged if there is a buddy system. i.e., one youngster connected to one older person.

3. Co-creation of activities: Allowing and guiding participants to cocreate an activity seems to have a good impact on the successful implementation.

4. Toolkits, promotional materials and networking: Other elements for successful programmes/activities are toolkits, promotional materials, proper planning and networking opportunities. In many good practices, it has been mentioned the role of proper planning with an adequate number of staff/volunteers dedicated to the activity for a successful implementation.

5. Cross-sectoral training: It helps to build trust among collaborating parties.

Why does it work?

There were many factors that made programmes work. Here are the main factors:

1. Teamwork, enthusiastic organisations and proper planning in advance are obvious factors. On the organisational side, it is important to have personnel dedicated to the programmes and to ensure a good structure for communication.

2. A strong local collaboration of many partners is supportive as well.

3. When considering the programs, a variation of activities should be offered: not only physical activity, but also lectures on nutrition and health make programmes work.

4. Moreover, making programmes free and easy to access also helps to create fun and success.

5. Other factors to be taken into account are achievable objectives, sharing activities and long-term engagement.

6. Motivation of the volunteers/coaches and organisations involved were often one of the key factors for the engagement of the participants and therefore more successful programs.