Exploring the Impact of an Intergenerational Volunteer Program with People Living with Dementia on University Students

Abstract

Young adults benefit from forming meaningful relationships with older adults through participation in intergenerational programs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of an intergenerational volunteer program with people living with dementia on various university student characteristics. During an eight to twelve-month period, university students connected virtually or in person with a person living with dementia residing in the community or within a long-term care facility. Six scales were administered to assess changes in empathy, mood, psychological well-being, sensitivity to justice, and attitudes towards older adults and community service. Results demonstrated that young adults experienced adverse challenges during their volunteering experiences which could be attributed to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, students were able to reduce their negative attitudes towards older adults. Findings generated from this study enhance our understanding of university students’ experiences volunteering virtually in meaningful one-on-one continued interaction with a person living with dementia although more research is still needed under less stressful global crises.