“They Want to Talk to Somebody, but there’s Nobody About”: Intergenerational Programs and the Reality of Loneliness and Isolation in Residential Aged Care

As populations age and older adults face heightened risks of isolation and loneliness, intergenerational programs are gaining prominence. This qualitative study explored residents’ perspectives via semi-structured interviews with six participants in an aged care facility. Reflexive thematic analysis identified two themes: the promise versus limits of intergenerational activities, and the complex realities of connection in aged care. Conversation with children was the most valued benefit, yet monthly sessions were seen as insufficient for enduring impact. Opportunities for interaction were constrained by residents’ cognitive impairment and other barriers to participation. An unanticipated finding was the vicarious effect of witnessing peers’ loneliness and exclusion, which shaped participants’ own sense of vulnerability. The study highlights the multifaceted nature of loneliness in residential care and the potential of intergenerational programs, alongside broader social initiatives, to address social deficits. A rights-based, resident-informed approach is recommended to ensure programs reflect older adults’ needs across diverse contexts.