“Bridging generations”: A scoping review of non-familial intergenerational programs and their impact on relationships between old and young

BACKGROUND: As populations age and families become more dispersed, opportunities for meaningful intergenerational contact are diminishing. Intergenerational programmes (IGPs) aim to bridge this divide by bringing younger and older people together through structured activities. While health and social outcomes have been examined in the literature, the impacts of IGPs on the quality of intergenerational relationships remains less clearly understood. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence on non-familial IGPs designed to improve intergenerational relationships and to evaluate their impacts on relationship outcomes between younger and older participants. METHODS: A comprehensive search of eight electronic databases and reference lists was conducted up to 2024. Studies were eligible if they had (1) included programmes based on structured interactions between younger and older participants and (2) reported at least one relationship-focused outcome (e.g., attitudes, perceptions, or communication). Two reviewers independently screened and charted data. Given heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 18,480 retrieved records, 69 studies were included. Seven types of IGPs were identified, though fewer than half explicitly reported theoretical underpinnings for their programme design. Most interventions were delivered in community or educational settings and used structured, small-group formats that facilitated emotional exchange and mutual learning. Reported outcomes included more positive intergenerational attitudes and improved perceptions of relationship quality. CONCLUSIONS: IGPs demonstrate a promising potential in strengthening intergenerational relationships, particularly through a structured, small-group approach. Future research should incorporate theory-informed designs, apply standardised measures of relationship quality, and report implementation processes. Embedding IGPs into routine services and evaluating long-term outcomes are essential for sustainability and scalability.