Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Community-Based Intergenerational Program to Improve Quality of Life, Social Capital, and Generativity Among Elderly in Rural India

Author Information

Arjunkumar Jakasania, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Anuj Mundra, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Radhika Sharma, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Manashri Bhuyar, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Chetna Maliye, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Abhishek Raut, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Amey Dhatrak, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Subodh Gupta, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, India

Abstract

This study presents a mixed methods evaluation of Sahjeevan Kendra, a community-based intergenerational program implemented across 18 rural villages in Wardha, Maharashtra, India, under the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sevagram. Conducted from December 2020 to September 2023, the program aimed to improve quality of life, social capital, and generativity among older adults aged 60 years and above through structured intergenerational engagement with children and adolescents. The study employed a stratified simple random sampling design with a total sample of 520 elderly participants from a population of 4,415 identified individuals. Quantitative assessment utilized the WHO Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the Loyola Generativity Scale, the Social Capital Scale, and a Self-Care Assessment Tool. Qualitative data were gathered through focused group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observation using the Spider Web Method. Quantitative findings showed largely stable scores across program phases, suggesting maintenance of wellbeing despite the challenges of ageing and chronic conditions. Qualitative findings revealed meaningful gains in intergenerational interaction, respect for older adults, self-confidence among master trainers, and community social participation. The program effectively repositioned elderly individuals as active community mentors and caregivers, thereby strengthening their sense of generativity and social roles. Findings demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of scalable, community-integrated intergenerational models in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings.

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