Promote physical activity and reduce ageism across generations: effects of an intergenerational program

Introduction From early to later age populations, regular physical activity (PA) could be considered as a key behaviour to struggle against the major health, mental, social and economic issues of the 21st century (Rippe & Angelopoulos, 2010). Among PA interventions, international scientific statements recommend an emerging approach targeting specific intergenerational dyads, such as grandparent-grandchild pairs (Marcus et al., 2006). Besides, Ory and colleagues (2003) underlined that intergenerational interactions could also combat aging stereotypes across generations. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of an intergenerational PA program on PA behaviours and aging stereotypes of grandparent-grandchild pairs. Methods Intergenerational grandparent-grandchild pairs were recruited in two Belgian municipalities. Those two groups took part in a three-month intergenerational intervention, adapted from a previous intervention (Mouton, Renier & Cloes, 2015) and including one weekly session of PA. Assessments were performed before (T0), during (process analysis) and after the intervention (T1). Grandparents PA was assessed with the QAPPA and the SF-36 questionnaires and with a battery of physical fitness test (SFT). The UCLA loneliness scale was also administrated to seniors. Grandchildren PA was evaluated with a seven items Likert scale. Relationship quality and ageism stereotypes between generations were assessed using a combination of existing validated instruments. Results and conclusions The intergenerational groups were composed of 14 dyads of grandparent (65±3.2 years)-grandchild (8.8±2.3 years) in one municipality and 6 dyads of grandparent (64±4.5 years)-grandchild (7.7±1.3 years) in the second. By its combination of physical and psychosocial objectives, the results of this study are expected to provide a significant and original contribution to the research field. If intergenerational PA has the potential to reduce ageism, it could pave the way to interdisciplinary interventions among physical education professionals