1. Introduction
In an evolving societal landscape marked by increasing demands for both childcare and elder care, innovative solutions are crucial. Intergenerational Day Care Centers (IDCs) emerge as a pioneering model, uniquely positioned to address these dual challenges. These centers co-locate child and senior care services, fostering environments where different generations interact and benefit from shared resources and activities. As populations age and families face pressures from dual-income households and single parenthood, the need for supportive services for both the young and the old is more critical than ever. Simultaneously, municipal resources to meet these growing demands are often stretched thin.
Intergenerational Day Care Programs represent a forward-thinking approach by integrating day care for older adults and children within a single facility. An IDC is defined as a setting where both age groups receive care, participate in specialized programs, and engage in both structured and informal intergenerational activities within the same location. This model of shared services and spaces offers significant potential for efficiency and cost savings. By sharing facilities like kitchens, dining areas, and essential services such as maintenance and deliveries, IDCs can reduce operational costs, making care more affordable for families and potentially easing the burden on municipal budgets. Moreover, a shared site can streamline staff recruitment and training, and broaden fundraising opportunities compared to single-generation centers.
Intergenerational programs directly tackle pressing community issues, including:
- Limited and costly healthcare access for seniors: IDCs can integrate health and wellness services, making them more accessible.
- Affordability of care: By sharing resources, IDCs can offer more cost-effective solutions for both elder care and childcare, easing financial strains on families.
- Age segregation: Traditional systems often separate generations, leading to ageism and reduced social interaction. IDCs promote integration, combating ageism and fostering mutual understanding between age groups.
Given these compelling advantages, cities are increasingly recognizing the value of intergenerational day care programs as a viable and beneficial community resource.
2. Mutual Benefits of Intergenerational Interaction
The interactions fostered within intergenerational day care programs yield significant mutual benefits for both older adults and children. These programs create rich learning environments and enhance social engagement across generations, building connections beyond traditional family structures. Research indicates that intergenerational programs contribute to sensory stimulation, improved self-esteem, increased positive socialization, and intellectual growth for both age groups.
For older adults, intergenerational day care programs offer opportunities to leverage their life experiences and skills by participating in and leading activities. They can share knowledge and expertise in areas like cooking, storytelling, and arts and crafts, fostering a sense of purpose and value. In some programs, seniors even act as childcare assistants or partners in unique initiatives like intergenerational theater, further enriching their roles and contributions.
Children in intergenerational settings demonstrate increased prosocial behaviors. The nurturing presence of older adults provides a familial dimension to the day care environment, offering children additional emotional support and guidance. This exposure to older generations can also foster patience, respect, and understanding of aging.
While the need for intergenerational programs is clear and their benefits are well-documented, the availability of intergenerational day care programs remains limited. Furthermore, practical guidance on the planning, development, and implementation of such centers is scarce. This article addresses this gap by presenting a case study of the research, planning, and development process for an IDC in a metropolitan area. Focusing on the City of Austin’s experience as part of its Age-Friendly Austin Plan, this study offers a replicable developmental strategy for cities, developers, and designers interested in establishing intergenerational day care programs. The Austin model addresses the growing need for community-based services, especially for low-income families, and provides valuable insights for other communities seeking to implement similar initiatives.
3. Methodology: A Multi-Phased Approach to IDC Development
The development of the intergenerational day care program in Austin followed a structured, multi-phase approach spanning from 2018 to 2020. This process encompassed three key stages:
3.1. Analytical Literature Review
The initial phase involved a comprehensive review of existing literature to identify successful models of intergenerational day care programs and to understand the documented benefits for children, older adults, and communities. Databases including Design and Applied Art Index, Taylor and Francis, and EBSCO were consulted. Keywords such as “intergenerational programs,” “design for all ages,” “intergenerational shared sites,” and “intergenerational architecture” guided the search. This extensive review, which initially yielded over 15,000 articles, was narrowed down to 100 relevant articles through a rigorous process of title and abstract screening. The final selection of articles provided valuable insights into the types of spaces and program strategies that effectively facilitate intergenerational interactions.
3.2. Community Engagement Workshops
A crucial component of the development process was direct community engagement. In Spring 2019, Austin Public Health (APH) and the LBJ School of Public Affairs conducted 79 community engagement sessions. These sessions involved 68 low-income older residents, 3 aging and respite service providers, and 9 informal caregivers. The goal was to gather feedback on the community’s needs and preferences regarding services at the proposed IDC. Workshops were held across multiple locations, including the Mexican American Cultural Center and senior living centers, and surveys were offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin to ensure broad accessibility. Additionally, a live poll at the Livability and Longevity Conference at UT Austin collected responses from 98 adults, further expanding community input.
3.3. Feasibility Study
In 2020, a feasibility study was undertaken to address specific operational questions. This study aimed to determine: (1) the range of services that could be offered within a pilot space of 5,000–10,000 square feet and (2) the feasible level of service considering space constraints and city regulations. To answer these questions, personal interviews were conducted with older adults, children, and caregivers, utilizing snowball sampling to reach diverse participants. These interviews explored preferred intergenerational activities and service needs. An intergenerational design specialist then used the findings from the literature review and interviews to develop schematic design documents, including floor plans and renderings, to visualize the proposed IDC and facilitate discussions with city officials and stakeholders.
3.4. Data Analysis
Data analysis involved collaborative efforts from multiple research teams. The literature review and interview data were analyzed to identify spatial requirements for the IDC. The community engagement workshop data was analyzed to identify common themes and community needs. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from the workshops, identifying recurring themes and issues. Interview transcripts were coded to identify preferred intergenerational activities and feasible service models. Comparative theoretical coding was employed to synthesize findings from the literature review and feasibility study interviews, ensuring consistency and clarity in the final results.
4. Key Findings: Building Blocks for Intergenerational Day Care Programs
The research and data collection process yielded five key areas critical to the development of intergenerational day care programs. These findings, summarized in Table 2, served as the foundation for developing the Austin IDC model and offer a replicable framework for other communities.
4.1. Popular Intergenerational Programs
Interviews revealed strong preferences for intergenerational activities centered around three main themes:
- Art Making: Activities like collaborative storytelling, music performances, puppet making, and quilting were highly favored.
- Food-Related Activities: Participants expressed enthusiasm for cooking together, sharing recipes, and learning about food preparation and table manners.
- Shared Outdoor Activities: Gardening, outdoor games, and exploring nature were popular choices for intergenerational interaction.
4.2. Community Needs Assessment
Community surveys and reviews of local demographic data highlighted critical needs within Austin:
- Growing Senior Population: Austin’s population aged 65 and over had increased significantly, indicating a rising demand for elder care services.
- Healthcare Service Gaps: Low-income older adults faced significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, emphasizing the need for co-located health and wellness services within an IDC.
- Affordable Childcare Demand: A significant portion of families with young children in Austin struggled with the cost and accessibility of quality childcare.
The community engagement workshops further underscored the need for wraparound services like affordable transportation and highlighted the desire for prioritized funding for co-located health, wellness, and social services for older adults.
4.3. Spatial Design Requirements
The study identified key spatial requirements to support both monogenerational and intergenerational activities within an IDC. The design should facilitate a continuum of interaction, from planned to spontaneous, while respecting individual preferences for interaction levels. The 10,000 square-foot design developed for Austin included:
- Multipurpose Room: A flexible space for dining, activities, and community events.
- Physical Activity Area: Space for movement and exercise for both age groups.
- Kitchen Area: For meal preparation and life skills training.
- Quiet Room: For rest, privacy, or temporary isolation if needed.
- Accessible Restrooms: Adequate and mobility-friendly facilities.
- Safe Outdoor Space: Including recreational areas, exercise equipment, play areas, and a garden.
- Storage: For activity materials and personal belongings.
- Counseling Room: For private consultations and telehealth services.
- Reception Area: For welcoming and managing visitors.
4.4. Regulatory and Implementation Considerations
Analysis of government documents and consultations with Austin Public Health and non-governmental providers revealed essential regulatory and implementation factors:
- Texas State Regulations: Compliance with state regulations regarding social activities, nutrition services, nursing services, rehabilitation, and transportation.
- Municipal Government Implementation: Considerations for program development costs, architectural design and construction costs, operational and maintenance expenses, and the need for endowment or reserve funds.
4.5. Funding Models
Literature review highlighted diverse funding approaches for intergenerational programs. The Austin model proposed a public-private partnership, with the City of Austin contributing city-owned property and potential capital costs, while non-governmental organizations and private foundations would cover operational expenses.
5. Discussion: A Model for Replicable Intergenerational Day Care Programs
This study provides a detailed examination of the process behind researching, planning, and developing an intergenerational day care center in a metropolitan setting. Its significance lies in offering concrete data derived from literature reviews, community engagement, and a feasibility study, addressing a notable gap in existing resources on this topic. By mirroring a design process used by local governments and incorporating end-user feedback, this study emphasizes a practical, community-centered approach. The Austin case study highlights the importance of early and consistent involvement of community members, stakeholders, and design professionals in all phases of development, from site selection to program planning and architectural design. This collaborative approach fosters transparency and ensures the IDC effectively meets the needs of its community.
5.1. Interpreting the Impact of Intergenerational Day Care Programs
Demographic trends underscore the critical need for intergenerational day care programs. The rising number of older adults with disabilities and those facing poverty, coupled with the increasing demand for affordable, high-quality childcare, creates a compelling rationale for IDCs. These centers offer a solution to co-locate essential services, addressing healthcare, wellness, and social needs for both seniors and children in an integrated setting.
Feedback from older adults and children participating in intergenerational programs directly shaped program development and architectural design decisions for the Austin IDC. The emphasis on art, food, and outdoor activities reflected the preferences expressed by these future users. The architectural design prioritized creating spaces that encourage social interaction while respecting individual autonomy and offering dedicated areas for both intergenerational and age-specific activities. A central flexible space (Figure 2) was designed to connect the child and senior sections, serving as a hub for intergenerational programs and community events.
The outdoor space design incorporated varying levels of interaction. Observation windows allowed for visual connection, while an outdoor fitness area adjacent to the children’s playground (Figure 3) facilitated both visual and auditory interaction. The integration of green spaces (Figure 4) further enhanced the outdoor environment, creating a harmonious and engaging setting for both generations.
The data and design plans from this study directly influenced Austin City Council Resolution item #59, passed in December 2022, which directed the City Manager to collaborate with an IDC Advisory Group to advance the project towards funding and implementation.
5.2. Strengths and Limitations
This study is notable for its strengths. It is among the limited research examining the practical and political aspects of establishing intergenerational day care programs, particularly for low-income seniors. The focus on the role of municipalities and non-governmental organizations in creating such facilities near affordable housing is also a key strength. Furthermore, the study highlights the dual benefits of IDCs – increasing access to care for seniors while promoting social development for children and cognitive and social well-being for older adults. The multi-method research approach, incorporating diverse data sources and community co-production, provides robust and comprehensive insights. The resulting developmental strategy serves as a valuable model for other communities.
Limitations include its focus on a single municipality, and the fact that the building is not yet completed, meaning potential political or practical hurdles remain. Additionally, the lack of comparable published models limits direct comparison.
5.3. Future Research Directions
While this model emphasizes health and wellness, the scope of intergenerational day care programs is vast and adaptable to diverse community needs and organizational structures. Future research should explore development processes for various types of IDCs and investigate how these programs can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different municipalities. Further studies should also evaluate the long-term impact of IDCs on participants and communities once implemented.
6. Conclusion: The Promising Future of Intergenerational Day Care Programs
This study reinforces the significant value of intergenerational day care programs in metropolitan areas. The combined evidence from literature, interviews, community engagement, and government collaborations demonstrates the individual, organizational, and societal benefits of IDCs. By facilitating shared spaces and resources, and simplifying transportation, IDCs encourage more frequent and meaningful interactions between older adults and children, potentially reducing care costs for families.
The Austin experience underscores that successful adoption of intergenerational day care programs requires motivated stakeholders, effective advocacy, political support, and sensitivity to local cultural contexts. Including all stakeholders in decision-making ensures that IDCs effectively serve the needs of all generations involved. The developmental strategy presented in this study offers a valuable and adaptable model for cities, developers, and designers seeking to build thriving intergenerational day care programs.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, N.N. and J.L.A.; methodology, N.N.; software, N.N.; validation, N.N. and J.L.A.; formal analysis, N.N. and J.L.A.; investigation, N.N. and J.L.A.; resources, J.L.A.; data curation, N.N. and J.L.A.; writing—original draft preparation, N.N. and J.L.A.; writing—review and editing, N.N. and J.L.A.; visualization, NN.; supervision, J.L.A.; project administration, N.N. and J.L.A.; funding acquisition, J.L.A.; All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Protection of Human Subjects Research approval “Building an Intergenerational Metropolis: Planning and Implementation” was obtained on 22 February 2019. UT Austin IRB 2019-01-0156.
Informed Consent Statement
Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement
The data are available from the second author.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding Statement
This research was funded by St. David’s Foundation Grant # OSP 201702825 UTA17-001163 NCE.
Footnotes
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References
Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
The data are available from the second author.
