Introduction: There is growing evidence supporting the multiple health and social benefits across stakeholders of intergenerational interaction. This project aimed to implement and evaluate a novel intergenerational program structured around First Nations art and movement.
Methods: Participants included primary school children (n=30), university students (education and occupational therapy, n=15), older people (primarily recruited through U3A, n=18), and the research team/First Nations artists (n=13). Four 3-hour sessions were run over 2 months, with a structured program led by First Nations artists incorporating Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, knowledge, and practice throughout the art and movement activities. Pre- and post-surveys of loneliness (Campaign to End Loneliness Measurement Tool), social networks (Lubben Social Network Scale-6), and life satisfaction across seven life domains (Personal Wellbeing Index Adult and Children versions) were collected.
Results: 76 participants attended one or more sessions, with 64 participating in the pre-post surveys. There were no significant differences within the school children or older people groups comparing before and after the program (p>0.05) for the loneliness, social network, or personal wellbeing measures, although groups were relatively small. Observation of intergenerational interactions and enjoyment appeared high (qualitative analyses underway). Video clips and examples of art and physical activity participation will be shared and discussed.
Conclusions: The We-Are-Well Intergenerational program was feasible to implement and appeared to be highly regarded and received – creating non-judgemental opportunities for engagement in art and movement with an Indigenous knowledge base. Further research on a larger scale and for longer durations are warranted.