Users’ Perspective toward i-GESS (Inter-Generational Engagement in Secondary Schools)

Intergenerational interaction benefits individuals and society as a whole by promoting mutual understanding and respect between different age groups, leading to a stronger sense of community and social cohesion. It also allows for the transfer of knowledge, skills, and experiences from older generations to younger ones, fostering personal growth and development. The i-GESS program aims to strengthen the bonds between younger and older generations through co-creation learning opportunities and interactive activities. A group of secondary teachers (n=6) students (n=14), university students (n=18), and older adults (n=20). The results from the in-depth interviews showed that there has been a significant increase in the confidence of older adults and young people. Furthermore, both parties reported an increase in their level of trust, leading to better mutual understanding in the group. Additionally, the participants demonstrated a significant improvement in their innovative thinking skills, ultimately enhancing their teaching and learning experiences. The i-GESS model holds the potential to be applied in various intergenerational contexts, making it an effective tool to facilitate intergenerational connections and interactions. Through the incorporation of intergenerational elements in teaching and learning, students and older adults could gain a deeper understanding of each other, resulting in numerous benefits that contribute to a more age-friendly social environment.