Seen and Heard: An exploration of the impact that an intergenerational program has on Australian teens and seniors

Using intergroup contact theory and age segregation theory, this study explores the impact that intergenerational programs have on Australian adolescents and older adults by conducting a concurrent embedded mixed methods exploration of a pilot program between adolescents (n = 8) and older adults (n = 6) living in the community. This study finds that intergenerational programs significantly shape adolescents’ perceptions of their character development and citizenship scores, as well as provides a unique way to reduce stereotypes between the generations. This was the first study conducted in Australia that was tied to the curriculum within a local high school and demonstrated the value these programs have to adolescents’ identity development, as well as older adults’ self-confidence, empathy and respect for younger members of their local community.