1. Introduction
The aging population is increasing at a significant rate in Indonesia, with projections indicating that the number of elderly individuals will reach 42 million by 2030 and expand further to 48.2 million by 2035, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Health [1]. The individuals under consideration, categorized as elderly, fall within the age range of 65 to 74 years [2]. This demographic shift emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the aging community's needs. The intergenerational activity under consideration is designed to promote collaboration, interaction, and exchange among two or more generations [3]. Recognizing the significance of intergenerational ties and age-friendly settings for diverse older adults is essential for enhancing their wellbeing and quality of life. Numerous studies have shown that intergenerational programming reduces age-related stereotypes and enhances community bond effectively. Strong intergenerational relationships, encompassing communication, interaction, and shared activities, consistently
emerge as pivotal factors in enhancing the elderly's quality of life [4].
As individuals transition into the elderly phase, they often experience a decline in physical and psychological conditions. Common health issues faced by the elderly include hearing loss, mobility limitations, and cognitive decline, such as memory loss and dementia. These age-related health issues and physical constraints can lead to a loss of independence, impacting their self-esteem mental well-being, and overall quality of life [5]. Additionally, the loss of social roles that once defined their identity can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Furthermore, the elderly may encounter age-related bias discrimination, and stereotypes in various aspects of life. Unfortunately, modern society often attaches a negative stigma to the elderly, perceiving them as frail, dependent, and burdensome, rather than recognizing their continued value as active contributors to the community. The aforementioned value encompasses the elderly's extensive knowledge, skills, and life experience which surpass those of the younger generation. Unfortunately, they
JADES 02 (2024) Sasha et al
frequently lack ample opportunities to share their wisdom and insights.
The profound potential of intergenerational interaction emerges as a transformative force in mitigating the age-related health challenges and physical limitations faced by the elderly. By fostering meaningful connections between different generations, the barriers that can encroach upon the independence of older individuals, giving rise to self-esteem concerns, diminished mental well-being, and compromised overall life quality, can be effectively addressed. Intergenerational engagement combats the isolation and limitations linked to aging, providing a path to an enhanced aging journey. As diverse age groups come together to exchange experiences, insights, and companionship, they collectively contribute to a framework that empowers the elderly to lead lives of vitality, purpose, and dignity.
2. Methods, Findings and Discussions
This research is experimental and participatory research which combines qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method is used to capture a variety of activities that can be used by the elderly and the younger generation to initiate intergenerational interaction.
2.1. Types and Models of Intergenerational Programs
In the context of older adults engaging with children and youth, various roles have been identified [6]: (1) Mentors: These programs involve older adults serving as mentors for children and youth, emphasizing the unique relationship between mentor and mentee, (2) Tutors: Engage older adults in enhancing learning across academic disciplines, (3) Caregiver and nurturers: Fill gaps in existing social support, (4) Mature friends: Offer supportive figures to unrelated young individuals, and (5) Coaches: The coaching role encompasses elements of mentoring and tutoring, focusing on skill and talent development.
2.2. Activities for The Elderly and Younger Generation
| Activity | Elderly's Activity in Community Center | Young Generation's Activity in Community Center | Elderly and Young Generation's Activity in | Types and Models of Intergenerational Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Center | ||||
| Playing/recreation | Arts, crafts, hobby* | Playing sports** | Gardening | Mature Friend |
| Gardening | Shopping** | Walking/jogging and exercising | Mentors | |
| Walking/jogging and exercising* | Recreational trips** | Recreational trips | Mature Friend | |
| Recreational trips | Watching TV/movies | Mature Friend | ||
| Yoga | Going out to eat | Mature Friend | ||
| Playing sports* | Arts, crafts, hobby | Coaches | ||
| Watching TV/movies* | ||||
| Shopping* | ||||
| Going out to eat* | ||||
| Socializing | Cooking and baking | Being alone with close friends** | Cooking and baking | Coaches |
| Volunteering* | Being with friends** | Music dan dancing | Coaches | |
| Music and dancing | Hanging out** | Life story exercises | Mature Friend | |
| Pet therapy | Meeting with new people** | Book club | Mature Friend | |
| Pampering | Volunteering** | Puzzles/games not on computer | Mature Friend | |
| Book club | Music and dancing** | Socializing in person | Mature Friend | |
| Life story exercises | ||||
| Puzzles/games not on computer* | ||||
| Socializing in person* | ||||
| Learning | Higher learning | Learning** | Learning | Tutors |
| Reading and writing* | Obtaining new information** | Reading and writing | Tutors | |
| Teaching/tutoring | Companions or helpers** | Teaching | Tutors | |
| Coaching | Teaching | Coaching | Coaches | |
| Mentoring |
2.3. Design Strategies and Concept
The passage outlines six crucial design strategies planned for integration into the Center for Potential Development for the Elderly and Young Generation. These strategies encompass various aspects, starting with a site-based approach to blend with the environment harmoniously. The site-based design immerses users in nature, offering sensory experiences while drawing inspiration from the surrounding greenery. The choice of location is deliberate, as it is near a residential area and is complemented by nearby facilities, including Siloam Hospital, as well as several schools and universities (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Site-based Approach Design Strategy
The second strategy focuses on the building's appearance and mass composition, aiming for an engaging presence for both generations. This strategy is centered on two critical aspects of the building: its visual aesthetics and the arrangement of its mass composition. The building's unique shape and design aim to provide a peaceful and welcoming space, especially for the elderly. It includes various room shapes for easy identification, abundant natural light through glass openings, and a two-story layout (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Building Façade and Mass Composition Design Strategy
The third strategy involves zoning spaces purposefully within the building layout to maximize internal utilization. This strategy focuses on deliberately organizing and allocating of spaces within the building. A spatial arrangement typology was established, ensuring that all functional areas are intuitively connected, eliminating the need for directional signs by grouping similar functions nearby (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Zoning and Spatial Planning Design Strategy
Enhancing accessibility and circulation forms the fourth strategy, promoting inclusivity. The access and circulation design prioritizes pedestrian safety. In addition to pedestrian safety, the design also emphasizes making the area accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs. This involves the inclusion of ramps, wider pathways, non-slippery walking surfaces, and the provision of handrails to ensure that those with mobility challenges can navigate the space comfortably (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Accesibility and Circulation Design Strategy
The fifth strategy centers on interior design, prioritizing comfort, functionality, and interaction. This approach highlights the design considerations for creating distinctive and functional interior spaces. It discusses the use of color, room shapes, ceiling heights, and flexible configurations to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors and the younger generation while ensuring safety (Table 2).
TABLE 3. IDEAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AND YOUNGER GENERATION
| Criteria | Details | Conclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Monochrome Neutral blue and brown | The colour of the interior space is dominated by monochrome colours with neutral accent colours, namely blue and brown. | |
| Material | Concrete, glass, steel | Interior space materials use concrete, glass, and steel. | |
JADES 02 (2024) Sasha et al
| Criteria | Details | Conclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door Openings, and Windows | Glass openings with clear lining, Sliding door, Hydraulic hinge door. | The openings are glass panels with lining that quite easy for elderly to distinguish. Sliding door were chosen because they are easy to use for the elderly and can create a variety of room configuration. Hydraulic hinge doors are used to regulate the speed of door closing, occasionally in toilets. | |
| Room Scale | Private rooms with passive activities will use scale at 2.7 meters and art/ music studio will use 4 meters. | ||
Lastly, the selection of equipment and furniture aligned with the center's goals constitutes the sixth strategy. This last approach highlights the design considerations for creating distinctive and functional equipment and furniture. It discusses the importance of lighting, the furniture dimension, signage, and provision of handrail Within the building (Table 3).
TABLE 2. EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE SELECTION DESIGN STRATEGY
| Criteria | Details | Conclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Indoor Outdoor | Direct glare is avoided by using indirect lighting. The light is placed at a height not at eye level or below and should not be too bright. | |
| Furniture | The furniture is made comfortable and home-like for the elderly and the seating has armrest and backrest. Furniture has visual contrast for easy visual identification. Furniture placement must consider wheelchair clearance (min. 1.5 meters) | ||
| Signage | Signage is placed at an angle and the viewing distance is parallel to eye level and distributed at several points on the building. | ||
| Handrail | Smooth handrails and railings do not have protrusions that could become obstacles. Handrails have high visual contrast for easy visual identification. The end of the handrails is not open so that no items can get in contact with and endanger the elderly. | ||
Overall, these strategies collectively aim to create an inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment.
The project integrates three design concepts: the site-based design connects users with nature, enhancing sensory experiences and inspiring all generations. The access and circulation design ensures pedestrian safety with separate pathways and inclusive features, including a prominent wheelchair-accessible ramp. The mass composition and building facades prioritize fluidity, encouraging exploration and creativity while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Expansive glass walls create an open feel, while varying ceiling heights foster intimate and innovative spaces. The strategic layout encourages users to explore, with an urban garden as a central hub connecting indoor and outdoor areas, serving as a socialization hub for users and visitors alike.
2.4 Discussion
Intergenerational interaction holds transformative potential by addressing age-related health challenges and physical limitations among the elderly. Creating meaningful connections between generations dismantles barriers that threaten their independence, offering a solution to diminished self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Socialization, particularly through positive interactions and regular exercise, plays a vital role in enhancing seniors' mental health [9]. Engaging in social activities helps them maintain a sense of community contribution, fostering increased selfassurance. This approach contributes to successful aging by recognizing the enduring value of skills and traits that remain relevant over time.
Beyond this, the younger generation benefits immeasurably from the wealth of knowledge, skills, life experiences, and the wisdom imparted by their elder counterparts. This symbiotic exchange enriches both sides, knitting a fabric of shared insights and collaborative learning through selected activities mentioned previously. In essence, intergenerational interaction shapes younger adults into wellrounded individuals by expanding their horizons, fostering empathy, exchanging knowledge, and providing a rich tapestry of experiences to draw from. It is a mutually beneficial exchange that lays the groundwork for a harmonious and connected society.
TABLE 4. INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTION ACTIVITIES EFFECT FOR THE ELDERLY AND YOUNGER GENERATION
| Activity | Elderly and Young Generation's Activity in Community Center | Intergerational Interaction Effect for Elderly | Intergerational Interaction Effect for Young Generation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playing/ | Gardening | Absence of disease and active engagement with life | Mentorship opportunities, | |
| recreation | Walking/jogging and exercising | Absence of disease and increase motor function | acquisition of Wisdom, reduced age bias, | |
| Recreational trips | increased interpersonal skill, and broadened perspective. | |||
| Watching TV/movies | ||||
| Going out to eat | Active engagement with life | |||
| Arts, crafts, hobby | ||||
| Socializing | Cooking and baking | Acquisition of Wisdom, | ||
| Music dan dancing | Absence of disease and active engagement with life | reduced age bias, increased interpersonal skill, broadened perspective, community building, and enhanced emotional | ||
| Life story exercises | Active engagement with life and knowledge exchange | |||
| Book club | Increase cognitive functioning | intelligence. | ||
| Puzzles/games not on computer | Increase cognitive functioning. and active engagement with life | |||
| Socializing in person | Active engagement with life and knowledge exchange | |||
| Learning | Learning | Increased interpersonal skill, acquisition of wisdom, | ||
| Reading and writing | Increase cognitive functioning and knowledge | |||
| Teaching | exchange | and mentorship opportunities. | ||
| Coaching | ||||
The selected activities and the implementation of 6 design approaches can help create meaningful connections between generations and dismantle barriers that threaten their independence, offering a solution to diminished self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall quality of life for both users. These activities contribute to the development of both the senior and young generations. For instance, young adults can promote the acquisition of wisdom and a broadened perspective and as for senior, they provide active engagement with life and help improve cognitive function. Socialization, mainly through positive interactions and regular exercise is vital in enhancing seniors' mental health. Engaging in social activities helps them maintain a sense of community contribution, fostering increased self-assurance (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Outdoor Learning and Socialization Activities
The implementation of arts and crafts into intergenerational activities is a versatile and effective way to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being while fostering connections and understanding between generations. Creative engagement in artistic endeavors not
only provides a platform for shared experiences, but also serves as a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression. Furthermore, cognitive stimulation and physical involvement in art activities contribute to a holistic approach to well-being, making it a valuable tool for promoting health and connections between generations (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Outdoor Learning and Socialization Activities
Participating in gym activities fosters a sense of community and mutual support among individuals of various age groups. The shared pursuit of health creates a common ground, encouraging generations to connect share experiences, and motivate each orher on their fitness journey. This interaction contributes to physical well-being and cultivates companionship (Figure 7a). Subsequently, the auditorium serves as a central hub within the facility, providing a conducive space for seniors possessing a wealth
JADES 02 (2024) Sasha et al of experience to engage actively with the community. This environment allows them to share their valuable insights and knowledge through the facilitation of seminars and workshops. The auditorium, complemented by its surroundings, fosters a collaborative atmosphere where seniors can contribute to the educational and social aspects of the community, creating a platform for exchanging wisdom and expertise (Figure 7b).
Figure 7. (a) Gym Activity; (b) Seminar and Workshop Setting
Informal classrooms may encourage seniors and the younger generation to engage in discussions, explore their interests, and take ownership of their learning with less structure and rigidity compared to a traditional or formal classroom setting. Intergenerational learning not only benefits the participants individually, but also enriches society by fostering understanding, unity, and the preservation and transfer of knowledge across generations (Figure 8).
Figure 10. (a) Informal Classroom Setting; (b) Library Setting In essence, intergenerational interaction also shapes younger adults into well-rounded individuals by expanding their horizons, fostering empathy, exchanging knowledge, and providing a rich tapestry of experiences to draw from. It is a mutually beneficial exchange between elderly and younger adults that lays the groundwork for a harmonious and connected society, creating a more inclusive and resilient community.
3. Conclusion
The transition into old age often results in declining physical and mental health, leading to a demand for specialized services for seniors. To address these challenges, the establishment of an elderly community center holds immense importance. This center serves as a platform for intergenerational exchange, enabling older individuals to share their life experiences with younger generations and fostering positive connections. A pivotal aspect of this initiative is its all-encompassing design, ensuring inclusivity and meeting user needs. Intergenerational interaction emerges as a dynamic force capable of addressing age-related health
issues, reducing physical limitations, and boosting the wellbeing of the elderly. Concurrently, it imparts valuable life experiences, wisdom, and insights to the younger generation, contributing to their personal development. As we work toward creating inclusive, secure, and resilient living spaces, intergenerational interaction becomes a cornerstone, promoting unity, empowerment, and shared growth. It is more than just a means of bridging generational gaps; it serves as a guiding light towards a future where individuals of all ages thrive within a robust and harmonious society.
Acknowledgement
We are very grateful to the center of research and community development (CRCD) University of Pelita Harapan (UPH), Tangerang-Indonesia, who has supported and funded this research with research contract number: 126/LPPM-UPH/I/2023.
4. References
- [1] Adi , A. (2022, May 30). Databoks. Retrieved from Katadata Media Network: https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2022/05/3 0/ada-30-juta-penduduk-lansia-di-indonesia-pada 2021#:~:text=Kementerian%20Kesehatan%20mempr oyeksikan%20jumlah%20penduduk,13%2C82%25)% 20pada%202035.
- [2] Alterovitz SS, Mendelsohn GA. Relationship goals of middle-aged, young-old, and old-old Internet daters: an analysis of online personal ads. J Aging Stud. 2013;27:159–65.
- [3] Harper, S., & Hamblin, K. (2013). International Handbook on Aging and Public Policy. Edward Elgar.
- [4] Harfina, & Vibriyanti. (2017). Determinan Kualitas Hidup Lansia di Kota Medan.
- [5] Jeste, D., Depp, C., & Vahia, I. (2010). Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging. World Psychiatry, 78- 84.
- [6] Newman, S. (1997). Intergenerational Programs. Taylor & Francis.
- [7] Szanton, S. J., Walker, R. K., Roberts, L., Thorpe, J., R, J., Wolff, J., . . . Seplaki, C. (2015). Older adults' favorite activities are resoundingly active: Findings from the NHATS study. Elsevier.
- [8] Duzenli, T., Bayramoglu, E., & Özbilen, A. (2010). Needs and preferences of adolescents in open urban spaces.
- [9] Crooks, V., Lubben, J., Petitti, D., Little, D., & Chiu, V. (2011). Social Network, Cognitive Function, and Dementia Incidence Among Elderly Women. A Publication of The American Public Health Associations.