Effectiveness of Intergenerational Programs to Reduce Loneliness: A Scoping Review and Reflections

• Published in: Journal of Intergenerational relationships Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 361 - 378
• Main Authors: Pinazo-Hernandis, Sacramento, Carrascosa, Celia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 03.07.2025
• Subjects: Intergenerational programs; loneliness; social connectedness; social isolation
• ISSN: 1535-0770; 1535-0932
• DOI: 10.1080/15350770.2024.2400278

As the number of people of all ages at risk of loneliness increases rapidly, interest in identifying the most effective interventions has grown. A number of researchers have conducted scoping reviews on loneliness interventions and have concluded that the most successful methods involve group interventions. Intergenerational programs can be a good solution for the reduction of loneliness. The aim of this scoping review is to identify studies that report on the effectiveness of intergenerational programs to reduce loneliness or social isolation following the five-step model. Twelve articles were selected for content analysis, showing that the use of intergenerational programs was associated with positive outcomes in terms of participants' health, well-being, social connectedness, and a reduction in loneliness. These interventions promote intergenerational understanding and the development of new and better quality relationships, which is a crucial element in reducing loneliness.