Intergenerational and Cross-Cultural Care Models: Real-World Examples and How to Use Them

Intergenerational care brings together older adults and younger generations, often children or teens, in shared activities that benefit everyone. This approach is gaining attention worldwide because it reduces fear and stigma around dementia for young people, while giving elders a sense of purpose and connection. Whether you are a family caregiver or a professional, there are concrete ways to adapt these models to your own setting, even if you start small. This article walks you through proven examples from different cultures and offers step-by-step guidance to try intergenerational activities safely and meaningfully.

Key points

• Intergenerational care reduces fear and stigma for children and provides meaningful connection for elders with dementia.
• Start small with a simple, sensory-based activity in a quiet, familiar environment.
• Prepare the child with age-appropriate explanations about dementia before the visit.
• Adapt activities to the elder's stage of dementia and cultural background for best results.
• Document positive moments to share with the care team and family.
• Be patient; it may take several tries to find what works, and even a brief moment of connection is a success.

What Is Intergenerational Care and Why Does It Matter?

Intergenerational care is a model where older adults, including those living with dementia or Alzheimer's, interact regularly with children or young people in structured, supervised activities. This is not just a nice idea; research shows that children often have a poor perception of Alzheimer's disease and may feel fear or confusion when a grandparent no longer remembers their name or acts differently. Intergenerational activities help erase that fear by creating a safe, non-scary environment where children can build new, positive connections with elders. For the older adult, these interactions can spark joy, reduce feelings of isolation, and even improve mood and engagement. The model is built on the idea that relationships based on love, presence, and patience can flourish across generations, as described in the book 'Come Grandpa Meow, Let's Fly' by Carol Steinberg, which includes a section on intergenerational activities to help families connect in new ways.

Global Examples: How Different Cultures Approach Intergenerational Care

Around the world, intergenerational care takes different forms shaped by culture and history. In the Netherlands, there are small but inspiring examples of elders living in residential care settings that also include childcare centers or regular visits from school groups. These programs are not widespread across the whole country, but they show what is possible. In Japan, the traditional model of respecting elders and having them live with family has shifted in recent decades due to technology and the push for children to succeed in competitive schools and jobs. As a result, elders are not always seen in the same way they were 25 years ago, and intergenerational contact has decreased. Similarly, in China, rapid modernization has changed family structures, though some communities are reviving intergenerational programs through community centers or faith-based groups. In Hawaii, families often live in multi-generational homes, where grandparents help raise grandchildren, and caregiving flows both ways—this is a natural form of intergenerational care that can be adapted even when dementia is present. In Wales, some care homes have partnered with local schools to bring children in for music, storytelling, or gardening, creating a warm, home-like atmosphere. These examples show that intergenerational care is not one-size-fits-all; it can be tailored to your culture, setting, and the needs of the people involved.

How Intergenerational Activities Help Children, Care Partners, and Elders

For children, intergenerational activities are a way to replace confusion and fear with understanding and empathy. When a child sees that their grandparent still enjoys a simple game or a song, they learn that the person is still there, even if memory is fading. For the care partner—often an adult child or spouse—these activities can provide a much-needed break and a chance to see their loved one in a new light, smiling or laughing with a child. For the person living with dementia, the interaction can tap into long-term memories and emotions, such as the nurturing instinct or the joy of teaching. Studies show that 88% of people with Alzheimer's disease say they feel discrimination, so intergenerational programs can help combat that stigma by showing that elders are still valued members of the community. The key is to focus on what the elder needs from the interaction, not what you think they should do. As one expert put it, 'What do you notice about the person that they need from you? Not that you must give to them, but what they need. And then can you muster up what they need and present yourself as a person who can really offer care in a way that feels authentic and trustworthy.'

General caregiving information, not medical advice. Check medications and major care changes with your clinician.

Discuss with your clinician

Ask the elder's doctor if there are any medical reasons to avoid certain activities (e.g., if the elder has a contagious illness, is prone to falls, or has severe agitation that could be triggered by noise).

If the elder is on medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness, discuss the best time of day for intergenerational activities to ensure they are alert and comfortable.

For elders with advanced dementia who have difficulty swallowing, avoid activities involving food or drink unless the clinician approves and you have a plan for safe swallowing.

If the elder has a history of aggressive behavior, ask the clinician or a dementia care specialist for strategies to de-escalate if the elder becomes upset during a visit.

Related guides

• Sensory communication strategies for dementia
• Single-sensory care techniques for late-stage dementia
• cross-cultural learning from elders with dementia
• joint reminiscence groups for person and caregiver
• Navigating the Sandwich Generation: Caring for Aging Parents with Alzheimer’s While Raising Young Children
• Dementia-Friendly Home Adaptations: A Practical Guide to Staying Safe and Comfortable at Home
• Using familiar songs to engage a person with dementia
• Finding and Paying for Respite Care: A Practical Guide for Dementia Caregivers
• Caregiving techniques for attention deficits in dementia
• End-of-life interventions and their trade-offs

Sources

• PubMed
• PMC
• AAFP
• Alzheimer's Association
• Mayo Clinic
• mcpress.mayoclinic.org
• Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care
• All Home Care Matters