An observational study of intergenerational activities and behavior change in dementing elders at adult day care centers

Author(s): Ward, Christopher

Journal/Book: International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 1992; 36: 321-333.

Abstract: Investigated whether 21 adult day care clients (aged under 60 yrs to 90 yrs) would demonstrate consistent positive behaviors (e.g., eye contact, smiling, attentiveness) during structured, weekly activities with young children that these adults do not demonstrate during similar activities when children are not present. Ss had behavioral characteristics of Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The study involved 5 wks of planned, structured music activities prepared by a musical therapist as part of the regular activities of the adult day care center. The same activities were repeated twice in the same day, once with children present and once without them. Fixed videotape cameras recorded client behaviors. Ss showed a significant increase in touching and extending hands in the presence of children and a significant increase in holding hands when children were not present.

Note: positive behaviors during musical activities with vs without intergenerational interaction with 4 5 yr olds; under 60 to 90 yr old day care clients with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders

Keyword(s): Social behavior; intergenerational relations; day care centers; alzheimers disease; music therapy; aged ; very old; preschool age children; adulthood

Zurück | Weiter