UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Research has shown, time and again, the relationship between social isolation and poor physical and mental health, especially for the most vulnerable — children and older adults.
While social scientists have focused on the role of social programs for encouraging interaction and mutual support among these groups, not much attention has been given to the role of the physical environment in inspiring and sustaining these social connections, noted Matt Kaplan, professor of intergenerational programs and aging in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
"The benefits of intergenerational programs for buffering against the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness are well documented," Kaplan said. "But we also want to encourage the creation of community settings that serve as spatial focal points — intergenerational contact zones — for increasing opportunities for social connections in communities."
Ways of thinking about, planning and designing intergenerationally enriched environments are explored in a new book, "Intergenerational Contact Zones: Place-based Strategies for Promoting Social Inclusion and Belonging," which was co-edited by Kaplan, Leng Leng Thang, of the National University of Singapore, Mariano Sánchez, of the University of Granada, Spain, and Jaco Hoffman, of North-West University, South Africa.