Benefits, Satisfaction and Limitations Derived from the Performance of Intergenerational Virtual Activities: Data from a General Population Spanish Survey

Alejandro Canedo-García, Jesús-Nicasio García-Sánchez and Deilis-Ivonne Pacheco-Sanz
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Alejandro Canedo-García: Department of Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain
Jesús-Nicasio García-Sánchez: Department of Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy, Universidad de León, 24071 Leon, Spain
Deilis-Ivonne Pacheco-Sanz: Department of Psychology, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: The growing social gap between people of different generations has led to a greater interest in the study of intergenerational interactions. Digital technologies have become necessary for people of all ages to perform daily activities, increasingly including older people. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and virtual tools can provide older people with excellent opportunities to connect with other generations, improving their quality of life and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits, satisfaction, and limitations of intergenerational interactions generated by the use of virtual tools. The participants are subjects of any age and different social groups residing in Spain and have completed an online survey. The analysis of sociodemographic data of the respondents showed that there is a significant correlation between the use of social networks and all the variables analyzed, except for their level of autonomy. Most participants who participated in intergenerational virtual activities reported the benefits of their social participation, relationships, mood, mental health, and academic education. Moreover, most participants were quite or very satisfied with the person with whom they used the virtual tools, especially if the person was a friend, their partner, sibling, another relative, or colleague. Except for grandparents, people who participated in intergenerational virtual activities and who had no limitations or disabilities were more frequently reported by the participants. In conclusion, intergenerational interactions through the use of virtual tools can contribute to improving the social inclusion and relationships of all people involved.

Keywords: intergenerational interactions; benefits; satisfaction; limitations; ICTs; virtual tools (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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