Outside of the family unit, both older persons and young people have limited interactions between each other in an increasing age diverse society, a reason which could lend towards negative attributes driven towards the older persons. Hence the importance of promoting intergenerational communication and understanding.
The notion of connecting generations through positive interactions was piloted in November 2022. Through the initiative of Dr Maria Aurora Fenech, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies, and Fr Frankie Cini, students reading for the Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics piloted this ‘speed greeting’ activity with 40 older persons, residents in Qawra, attending the Parish Club.
The idea, aimed to give younger and older adults the opportunity to come together as equal partners and to develop common ground for improved intergenerational communication and understanding.
Ice breaker questions, for instance:
(1) Is there something you have always wanted to do that you have never done?
(2) What was your worst job?
(3) What did you hate to eat as a child?
(4) What was your worst date?
(5) What was your first pet?
(6) What is your favourite sports?
(7) What is your favourite movie?
(8) What was one of the best gifts you have ever received?
and others, were designed to direct the discussion around common, shared experiences as opposed to age differences.
Older persons sat in groups with a student in each group who ‘directed’ the discussions. This message is a testament to its success,
“Thanks for your talk of last Tuesday at Qawra. It did a difference to my husband. Since the pandemic, he lost interest in everything. Always sitting down starring. But since Tuesday, just right after the activity, he started again … after lunch he gets up and cleans the kitchen and trying to give a hand. During the group where we were he also took part in sharing.â€
In the months that followed, the Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies in collaboration with CareMalta (Active Ageing Committee), took the initiative further. Older person residents within Casa San Paolo, Zammit Clapp, Mellieha Home, RoseVille, Casa Arkati, Casa Marija, Zejtun and Bormla Homes, and Villa Messina were invited to University in 2 groups, 15 March and 22 March respectively. Older persons from all walks of life and students reading for the Master of Gerontology and Geriatrics and Higher Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics, also from all walks of life, came together at the Gateway Building and shared experiences and conversations, on the aforementioned ice breaker questions. The ensuing discussions which were essentially all different, rather reflected on the individual rather than age differences.
Students reading for the courses organised by the Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies were able to recognise the diversity of the older persons as well as identify commonalities across generations. Both activities were in part fulfilment of the students’ ‘Field Placements in Gerontological and Geriatric Settings’.
