Bringing children and older people together through food: the promotion of intergenerational relationships across preschool, school and care home settings. Issue 2 (2nd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Mat; Ismail, Sanda Umar
• Is Part Of: Working with older people. Volume 26:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2022-03-02
• Subjects: Loneliness and social isolation -- Test-and-learn -- Intergenerational -- Well-being -- Diet -- Care homes -- Older people; Community health services for older people -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.6094105
• DOI: 10.1108/WWOP-11-2021-0059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-3666

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to explore how food-focused social activities are a route for promoting intergenerational relationships, well-being and dietary benefits among residents in care homes and children in preschool/schools. Design/methodology/approach: Using a case study methodology, this study undertook staff-focused research on a 26-month UK programme in 12 partnership clusters, involving a range of growing, cooking, eating and community activities. Findings: Staff reported benefits for older people, including improved mood, surfacing positive memories, new personal connections and relief from feelings of boredom and loneliness. Children were reported to develop in-depth relationships, greater empathy and overcame negative preconceptions. Food-based activities enabled all parties to express caring and nurturing in tangible and often non-verbal ways. Originality/value: Food-based activities appear to have specific material and emotive characteristics that resonate with the intergenerational interests of older people and children. Using mainly in-house resources, this study showed that it is feasible to generate novel food-based practices between children's education and care home sectors. A "test-and-learn" programme model is recommended, given sensitivities and complexity associated with food-based activities and the limited organizational capacity of care home and early education service providers.