Rebuilding “we ourselves” after the pandemic: Intergenerational dialogue as a protective factor against loneliness and social isolation in older adults

Abstract

The compulsory measures implemented by governments to control the COVID-19 pandemic affected the global population’s physical, psychological, and behavioural health. In particular, the pandemic further exacerbated social isolation and loneliness among older adults, and the interaction between ageism and the pandemic heightened the sense of loneliness and social disconnection among older adults, necessitating work to increase social cohesion. This paper aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on older people, focusing on the social dimension and intergenerational education as protective factors capable of mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic on social isolation in the elderly and thus preventing its consequences. Finally, several perspectives for rebuilding a democratic community alliance are reflected upon. The revision of community dynamics from an intergenerational perspective can give renewed value to the interweaving of biographies and social projects in an inclusive and participatory way.

Keywords

• loneliness
• social isolation
• intergenerational programmes
• older adults
• covid-19 pandemic