Household environmental protection and the intergenerational transmission of human capital

The estimated discount rate of parents is used to test a choice-based intergenerational model of the contribution of environment to the cognitive skills of a child of a given endowment. A lower parental discount rate is shown to imply higher cognitive skills of the young child. In the context of the model, estimates also imply that environmental conditions and human capital formation are not separable. Lesser environmental quality raises the costs of human capital formation in children and lesser human capital reduces parents' demand for environmental quality. Environmental quality differences among families, just like genetic differences, may persist across generations.     

中国家庭代际关系与老年男子生活幸福度

本文研究了我国家庭代际关系对老年男子（55岁及以上）生活幸福度的影响。根据代际连带理论,代际关系取决于不同的方面：居住安排,代际支持交换,代际情感以及代际准则。利用2006年中国综合社会调查数据,发现代际关系对老年男子生活幸福度有显著的影响。西方国家的相关研究曾指出老年父母在代际关系中充当给予者时,其生活幸福度会提高;然而本文的研究发现我国的情况恰好相反,父母得到子女支持越多时其幸福感越高。同时,代际情感也会显著地提高老年父母的主观幸福感。     

Evaluating the Impact of Intergenerational Activities on Elders' Engagement and Expressiveness Levels in Two Settings

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of intergenerational activities on elders' engagement and expressiveness levels in two settings. Study 1 was conducted with 22 well elders at a senior center and approximately 15 children from a nearby grade school. Data were collected using a momentary time sampling procedure, and inter-observer reliability averaged 88% (ranging from 78% to 97%). Elders were significantly more engaged (t(85) = 4.60, p > .001) and expressive (t(85) = 5.55, p > .001) in the treatment condition than the control condition. Study 2 was conducted with 25 older adults diagnosed with dementia, living in a special care unit. Twenty-eight second-graders were in the experimental group and 32 second-graders were in the comparison group. A momentary time sampling procedure was used to observe engagement, expressiveness, and inappropriate behavior levels. Inter-observer agreement averaged 94% (ranged from 85% to 100%). Elders were significantly more engaged in the structured activities with children than the structured activities without children, and significantly more engaged in structured activities without children than the no-activity condition, F(l) = 60.1; p > .01. Elders were also significantly more expressive in structured activities with children than the structured activities without children, and significantly more expressive in the structured activities without children than the no-activity condition, F(1) =26.5; p = 01. Further, there was no significant increase in inappropriate behaviors between any condition, F(1) =.322; p = .57. The analysis of variance regarding children's attitudes towards the elderly showed no significant differences whether they did or did not participate in the intergen-erational activities (F3.5, p < .05), with both groups maintaining positive attitudes of elders. These results reflect the importance of offering intergenerational activities to well and institutionalized elders as well as to children.     

Intergenerational Programming in Asia

Abstract

Based on concerns about the common social challenges in Asia and the desire to bridge this part of the world with the established intergenerational field, the Asian MetaCentre for Population and Sustainable Development Analysis at the National University of Singapore organized the first international conference in Asia on intergenerational programming in Singapore in March 2002. This conference, entitled “Re-engaging the Generations: Intergenerational Programming in Social Services,” attracted participation from both government and non-governmental agencies in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as representatives from the U.S. and Sweden.

The Singapore conference is used as a “data source” by which to examine the terrain of intergenerational programs and possibilities in Asia. Highlights are drawn from the presentations conducted at the conference and from the interaction and discussions that took place among the participants. Particular attention is paid to conference participants' efforts to ascribe meaning to the concept of intergenerational programming in their respective societies. In describing the conceptions and models of inter-generational programming highlighted at the conference, this article aims to address some of the common challenges related to intergenerational program development in many Asian countries and underscore some of the distinctive aspects of programs found in this region.     

Retirement Income Security in the United States of America

Abstract

Population aging in the United States poses a challenge for the present and coming generations: how to financially support the growing numbers of retired people? There is also a need to explore the potential for conflict across generations if young people see themselves as funding a system that may not be able to support them fully when they are older. This paper explores this intergenerational dimension and suggests that such stories of potential conflict are not borne out by research.     

Intergenerational Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to provide an overview of the current state of intergenerational programming in one Canadian city. One-hundred and seven individuals in charge of programming in youth and seniors' organizations completed a telephone survey about intergenerational programs. More than one-third of organizations surveyed reported offering intergenerational programs, and the majority of these perceived their program to be successful. Participants added that there were no current overlaps in services, though a variety of gaps in and barriers to intergenerational programming were identified. There was also significant interest in and ideas for offering a diverse range of programs in the future. It was concluded that while interest in offering intergenerational programs was high, multiple barriers currently exist to offering such programs.     

Humor Your Way to Good Health

ABSTRACT

Although humor has been used in many ways, humor practices have not been fully conceptualized or utilized as a means to impact major concerns on a societal level. In this intergenerational model demonstration, humor practices were re-conceptualized and used as an effective vehicle for communicating messages to impact a societal issue, overweight and obesity among children. This objective was operationalized through an intergenerational project of the Legacy Leadership Institute on Humor Communication and Health (LLIHCH). Legacy Leaders were trained to use humor practices to convey messages about healthy eating and physical activity to children. They participated in interactive instruction on key topics (nutrition, humor practices, intergenerational relationships, children and schools, leadership, and instructional methods. Legacy Leaders used this training to conduct the Humor Your Way to Good Health program in two public elementary schools. Assessments indicate the children benefit significantly from the Humor Your Way to Good Health intergenerational program in terms of the knowledge acquired and its application to making choices that support healthy behaviors. The unique humor approach captures the attention and imagination of children. The intergenerational approach unites children and adults in a joint quest for healthier lifestyles. Together, they are addressing the epidemic of overweight and obesity among children.     

Intergenerational Theory in Society

ABSTRACT

Now that the 21st century is underway, society is changing more rapidly than ever. People of all ages are facing new kinds of psychological and interpersonal issues. They are living longer and pioneering new kinds of family patterns and relationships. Given this, then, how can intergenerational programs and relationships both adapt to these new contexts and serve to help people better meet these new societal demands and changes? This article extends, deepens and elaborates upon earlier efforts by describing new societal trends that affect people in the life span, selecting some relevant concepts, exploring them, and suggesting how they might enhance our understanding. Given that this is the postmodern age in which there are questions rather than answers, the discussion of each concept ends with questions for future theory construction.     

Intergenerational Connections Through Book Discussion Groups

Abstract

Learning about intergenerational programming prepares health care professionals to be more competent and compassionate in working with a changing society. A unique teaching approach using intergenerational book discussion groups helps students learn about elders and provides a mutually beneficial experience. Assumptions, myths and biases held by each generation are often dispelled. Values and beliefs are clarified as members from differing generations learn about similarities and honor differences. The assignment becomes more than a technical learning situation and becomes one where friendships evolve and a deep respect for others develops. This article discusses how to plan and implement an intergenerational book discussion group for application within a variety of settings.     

An Intergenerational Perspective on Grandparent Roles

Abstract

This study provides an intergenerational perspective on grandparent roles. Data was collected from young parents (N = 105) and middle-age and older adults (N = 105). Both groups identified multiple roles as important for grandparents to initiate with young grandchildren: these included being a playmate as well as a friend, teacher, and role model. Intergenerational differences were also found with middle-age and older adults more likely than young parents to rank religious guide (p < .001) and family historian (p < .05) as important roles to enact with young grandchildren. However, the young parents were more likely than the older participants to predict that grandparents would be remembered by their grandchildren as fun, having high values, being a role model, and financially supportive (p < .001). Recommendations for future intergenerational research are recommended.