Rapid population ageing requires younger generations to develop a sound understanding of the ageing process and effective communication competence with older adults, yet the increasing shift toward nuclear families has reduced opportunities for intergenerational contact. This study evaluated an Inter-Generational Engagement in Secondary Schools project implemented across 15 secondary schools in Hong Kong between 2021 and 2025. University students and older adults were trained to co-create and conduct activities of six hours or more for secondary school students to increase mutual understanding across generations. Quantitative pre-post survey results from 621 secondary school students and 149 university students revealed significant increases in attitudes toward ageing (34-item Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale), and intergenerational communication confidence and skills. Results from 166 older adults aged 60 or above also showed significant improvements in attitudes toward young people (5-item Seniors' Attitudes Toward Children), intergenerational communication confidence and skills, as well as broader gains in self-esteem (10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), generativity (6-item Loyola Generativity Scale), cognitive flexibility (7-item Cognitive Flexibility Scale), and life satisfaction (5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale). Qualitative interviews with 37 older participants further revealed that recognition as capable and knowledgeable contributors enhanced self-esteem, meaningful transfer of life experiences strengthened generativity, and greater ease and openness extended beyond intergenerational communication to broader perspectives on life events and social development. Findings contribute empirical evidence that multigenerational programmes can promote mutual understanding while fostering among older adults more positive, aspirational, and open orientations toward the self, the next generation, and the wider world.

Authors:
Xue Bai, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Xinxin Cai, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Man Ying Kang, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Lin Dong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Daniel W L Lai, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Xinxin CＡＩ is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

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