Sacramento Pinazo

The Meaning of Grandparenthood

Abstract This work aims at studying the meaning of the grandparent role both from the grandparents and the grandchilds point of view, and at assessing the effects of gender and age in this meaning. To do so, data were collected from a sample of 154 grandparent-grandchild dyads, who filled in a questionnaire with the same items adapted to their respective perspectives. The answers were submitted to a principal component analysis. Results seem to point at the perception of the grandparent role being similar from both points of view. In general, our results suggest that grandparents and grandchildren get on well together and enjoy their relationship, but the degree of mutual understanding and intimacy is not very high. Finally, some implications of this study with regards to future research in this field are described.

Reasons for Older Adult Participation in University Programs in Spain

This study examined the reasons expressed by older adults for attending a university program in Barcelona (Spain). Results were based on the responses of 36 elders to questions from a semistructured interview. These were (a) reasons for joining a university course and (b) factors that prevent enrolling in that course. Participants mentioned more expressive than instrumental reasons for participating in a university program. Most mentioned barriers to entering university that were lack of interest, lack of self-confidence, health problems, and limited information. These results are discussed in the context of new strategies to improve university courses aimed at the elderly.

Evaluating Social Integration and Psychological Outcomes for Older Adults Enrolled at a University Intergenerational Program

Abstract Intergenerational programs are proliferating. The basic assumption of such programs is that pairing older and younger people in various activities and contexts such as educational programs will produce positive developmental benefits for all participants. Educational programs appear to help adults to remain socially active and connected. The University of Valencia (Spain) initiated in 1999–2000 a “University Program for Seniors” for adults age 55 and over, entitled “Nau Gran.”The goal of this paper is to present baseline results on the benefits and impacts for older adults enrolled at the program during 2002. Results from a sample of 212 sophomore and junior older adult participants are presented. The questionnaire included socio-demographic information and items regarding health, social integration, and psychological outcomes. Results indicated that older adults attending courses at the University increased their level of social integration.

Older people's university students in Spain: a comparison of motives and benefits between two models

ABSTRACT This study examines both the motives for and the benefits of attending a university programme for older people (UPOP) in Spain, and how they vary with the type of UPOP. Two UPOP models were assessed: The ‘Older Peoples Classes’ of the University of Barcelona, which is organised as a lecture course, and the ‘University of Experience’ at the University of Valencia, which is a three- or four-year variant of regular university degrees. A sample of 321 older students (mean age 67.5 years) was gathered from the two UPOPs, 161 participants from the former and 157 from the latter. The findings suggest that expressive motives such as acquiring knowledge, expanding the mind or learning for the joy of learning were the most important reasons for joining a UPOP, and that among the perceived benefits from taking classes at university featured ‘gaining more friends’, ‘enhanced self or life-satisfaction’ and ‘joy in life’. Perceived benefits were particularly high among the less educated and the older students. While students participating in the Older Peoples Classes were older and included relatively more women, differences between the two models in motives and benefits did not exist or were slight. These results are discussed in the context of new strategies to improve university courses aimed at older students.

The Professional Profile of Intergenerational Program Managers: General and Specific Characteristics

The interest around intergenerational programs and the fostering of intergenerational relationships is growing internationally. However, studies on the profile and functions of intergenerational program managers are still scarce. Furthermore, available approaches to the traits and functions of intergenerational program managers have not highlighted which features are distinctive of these professionals. Through a Delphi study undertaken in Spain, with participation of 18 intergenerational program managers and 12 intergenerational specialists, consensus was reached around characteristics of both the general profile of intergenerational program managers and the specificities of this occupational role. On the one hand, being able to work on a team, having skills for observation and contextual analysis, and being skilled at managing resources were identified as the most important general characteristics. On the other hand, being good at promoting contacts, social relationships, interactions, and bonds was deemed to be the most distinctive feature of this profile. After contrasting our results with international guidelines and standards for intergenerational work, the need to develop and reinforce further the relational nature of this professional figure is argued.

La relación entre abuelos/as y sus nietos/as adolescentes: comparación de perspectivas generacionales

Resumen El presente estudio tiene como objetivo examinar la relación entre abuelos/as y sus nietos/as adolescentes comparando ambos puntos de vista. Una muestra de 67 parejas contestó a una serie de instrumentos paralelos que recogían aspectos de su relación (contacto, actividades de ocio, intercambios de apoyo y cercanía) con el otro miembro de la parejas. Los resultados sugieren que los abuelos/as perciben que la relación cambia más a medida que el nieto/a se hace mayor. Las discrepancias encontradas entre ambas generaciones ponen en duda la adecuación a la relación entre abuelos y nietos de la hipótesis del interés intergeneracional, que predice una percepción más optimista de la relación en las generaciones mayores. Nuestros resultados también remarcan la importancia de considerar la comparación entre perspectivas como aspecto relevante para comprender mejor las relaciones intergeneracionales dentro de la familia.

Older Adult Mentors and Youth at Risk: Challenges for Intergenerational Mentoring Programs in Family-Centered Cultures

This article poses some preliminary reflections about the viability of youth mentoring schemes in family-centered cultural contexts based on a pilot experience developed in Spain within the framework of a project aiming to train older adults as youth mentors in five European countries. After an introduction to the field of intergenerational mentoring, a description of the pilot program follows, with special attention paid to the development of the Spanish local project. Drawing on the project evaluation, some open questions are posed regarding (a) the optimal institutional framing for an intergenerational mentoring program and (b) the challenge with social representation of the mentor role.