Abstract
Rapid shifts in social structures, cultural values, economic conditions, and technology have complicated communication between older and younger people, increasing the potential for widespread intergenerational conflicts. This study investigated the dynamics of these conflicts and explored opportunities for mutual understanding between young and older adults in Hong Kong.
Qualitative narrative interviews were conducted with 28 older Chinese individuals over 60 and 50 young participants in a multi-generational lifelong learning program. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic analysis.
The study highlighted significant shifts in the perceptions of participants from both generational groups. It explored the nature of intergenerational conflict and detailed the transformative process by which these tensions were transformed into platforms for promoting intergenerational understanding.
Structured activities facilitated a platform for each age group to express their unique perspectives. While these interactions initially exposed latent intergenerational tensions, they also set the stage for resolution. Through carefully designed communication strategies and educational initiatives, participants enhanced their interactions and deepened their mutual comprehension. Consequently, these improved interactions allowed both younger and older generations to constructively address and resolve conflicts, promoting a more harmonious intergenerational dynamic. Structured intergenerational learning and communication are crucial for improving understanding and cooperation across age groups. While such interactions may initially reveal conflicts, interventions that encourage different generations to share and reflect on both individual and shared perspectives could resolve existing conflicts and prevent future ones. This approach would help break down generational barriers and promote an age-friendly and harmonious society.
Qualitative narrative interviews were conducted with 28 older Chinese individuals over 60 and 50 young participants in a multi-generational lifelong learning program. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic analysis.
The study highlighted significant shifts in the perceptions of participants from both generational groups. It explored the nature of intergenerational conflict and detailed the transformative process by which these tensions were transformed into platforms for promoting intergenerational understanding.
Structured activities facilitated a platform for each age group to express their unique perspectives. While these interactions initially exposed latent intergenerational tensions, they also set the stage for resolution. Through carefully designed communication strategies and educational initiatives, participants enhanced their interactions and deepened their mutual comprehension. Consequently, these improved interactions allowed both younger and older generations to constructively address and resolve conflicts, promoting a more harmonious intergenerational dynamic. Structured intergenerational learning and communication are crucial for improving understanding and cooperation across age groups. While such interactions may initially reveal conflicts, interventions that encourage different generations to share and reflect on both individual and shared perspectives could resolve existing conflicts and prevent future ones. This approach would help break down generational barriers and promote an age-friendly and harmonious society.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 25 Oct 2024 |
| Event | 53rd Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG): Agents of Change: Unraveling Complexity and Advancing Transformation - Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada Duration: 24 Oct 2024 → 26 Oct 2024 https://www.cag2024.ca/_files/ugd/efbed2_c7dec093d7b04f1ca696fdc13ae1a10a.pdf (Conference program) https://www.cag2024.ca/_files/ugd/efbed2_7129846916d548eca3c3226d42b0ddec.pdf (Conference abstract) https://www.cag2024.ca/ (Conference website) |
Conference
| Conference | 53rd Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CAG2024 |
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Edmonton |
| Period | 24/10/24 → 26/10/24 |
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