Purpose of the study: The objective of the present review study is to identify the determinant elements of the effectiveness of empirically based interventions (EBI) in the field of intergenerational work, contrasting face-to-face and combined (face-to-face and virtual) intervention modalities against variables relating to this field according to EBI indicators. Design and Methods: An extensive literature search returned a total of 553 studies, of which just 50 met the inclusion criteria. Results: The descriptive and multivariate analysis conducted demonstrates that programs with a greater number of EBI controls have the greatest effectiveness, regardless of the intervention mode employed, and that this effectiveness is also modulated by other variables such as the participants' disabilities, their literacy level or membership to an organization. Conclusions: We examine the implications of these findings, noting the need to increase the number of virtual interventions that could improve the efficiency of the activities undertaken, while also ensuring that EBI indicators are fulfilled.

Over the last decades, social isolation and loneliness among older adults have given rise to an increased interest in the study of intergenerational relationships. Intergenerational programs provide a great opportunity for older adults to connect with people of other generations. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of these programs, improving the mental and physical health of the elderly and contributing to better academic formation and social skills in children. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits, satisfaction, and limitations of the intergenerational interactions derived from the performance of face-to-face activities, such as daily and healthcare activities, educational, cultural and leisure activities, and physical or sport activities. Participants were subjects living in Spain of any age (grouped into three age groups: 40 years old) and from different social groups who completed an electronic 88-item questionnaire. The analysis of sociodemographic variables of the survey respondents revealed that people aged 40 or more, with personal autonomy, single or married, and living with a partner and/or other relative, and not retired, performed face-to-face activities with people of other generations with a significantly higher frequency than the rest of the groups for each variable. Most participants who participated in intergenerational face-to-face activities reported benefits to their physical and mental health, mood, relationships, self-determination, social participation, and academic education. Most participants were quite or very satisfied with the person with whom they performed this type of activities, especially if this person was a friend or a close relative. Except for grandparents, people who participated in intergenerational face-to-face activities and who had no limitations or disabilities were more frequently reported by the participants. In conclusion, intergenerational interactions derived from the performance of face-to-face activities can contribute to improve both the physical and mental health, social skills, and relationships of all people involved.

The prevalence of instrumental and emotional support received was investigated, and several psychosocial characteristics were studied in a Spanish population of all ages (10–85 years) and different social groups, by using an 88-item online questionnaire, with a total of 2013 respondents. Participants reported on the instrumental and emotional supports they receive, and on a set of psychosocial variables (emotion management, motivation, self-efficacy, social and communication skills, and social support), as well as their sociodemographic data; all of which were considered as contributions to a sustainable world. Instrumental and emotional supports for sustainability were significantly less prevalent among older participants, men, people with low educational levels, low autonomy levels, retired individuals, and those with a low-income level. Older and female participants were able to manage their own and other peoples’ emotions significantly more frequently. Participant motivation was less prevalent among the participants with low autonomy levels and low-income levels. Younger participants with low autonomy levels were significantly less able to perform activities related to their self-efficacy. Extreme age groups, those with higher educational levels, singles, and those living alone, reported feeling lonely more often. These results help identify sociocultural characteristics of adults with low social participation, which is critical for developing useful strategies to promote community engagement and related benefits for older adults.

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.

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between favourable and stressful life experiences and perceived quality of life, practices that promote quality of life, psychological profiles and the daily use of web 2.0 tools in adults and older adults. An online questionnaire was designed, which was administered to 1095 Spanish adults and older adults, and conducted descriptive and multivariate analyses using the general linear model. Our results showed that favourable and stressful life experiences alike were associated with differential patterns in psychological profiles, perceived quality of life and daily activities and practices that affect quality of life, including the use of web 2.0 tools. Favourable life experiences mainly affected psychological profiles and the use of web 2.0 tools, whereas stressful life experiences affected the other factors analysed. Statistically significant differences were not found according to age and gender . These findings have important implications for promoting successful psychological and social interventions.

La necesidad de organizar encuentros entre generaciones va en aumento porque la solidaridad entre las generaciones es crucial para una sociedad equitativa para todas las edades. Sin embargo, reunir a diferentes grupos de edad no es suficiente para crear un diálogo intergeneracional exitoso.El contenido, las actividades y los métodos empleados cuando se juntan grupos muy diferentes, deben atraer a los miembros de ambas generaciones. En este sentido, las posibilidades que lasherramientas virtuales nos brindan para el despliegue de intervenciones de este tipo deben ser objeto de estudio. Así pues, en el presente trabajo se presentan las evidencias obtenidas en relación al potencial de estas nuevas herramientas para favorecer el bienestar de todos los implicados en programas de este tipo, identificando y analizando los recursos online empleados por los mismos para este fin. Los principales resultados apuntan a que estas intervenciones ofrecen buenas oportunidades para compartir el aprendizaje en igualdad de condiciones y para abordar conjuntamente la convivencia de formas completamente nuevas. El primer autor recibió fondos a través de una ayuda destinada a financiar la contratación predoctoral de personal investigador por la Junta de Castilla y León (EDU/1083/2013), cofinanciada por el Fondo Social Europeo, dentro del Programa Operativo del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) 2014-2020 de Castilla y León.