Intergenerational Dialogue as one of the Determinants of Understanding Old Age

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Authors: Iwona Szczesna
Cited by: 0
References: 4

Abstract

Research conducted globally on human population structures clearly shows that modern societies are experiencing an ageing trend.This demographic shift is reflected in various indicators, and the ageing population is expected to grow even more pronounced in the coming years.National analyses indicate that while most Poles recognize the importance of the older generation (Wa ˛dołowska, 2009), their views often diverge from broader societal perceptions of the elderly and old age.This study aimed to explore communication dynamics from the perspective of young adults who are family members of seniors involved in the public initiative 'Passiona recipe for eternal youth'.Responses were categorized into three key communication aspects: listening, speaking, and understanding.The migration of young people from rural areas to urban centers, coupled with rapid urbanization and digitalization, has altered life patterns, leading to a decline in daily interactions among family members.As a result, intergenerational dialogue has become increasingly difficult, presenting a significant challenge for modern societies.Rebuilding this dialogue is crucial, and fostering mutual trust and open communication is essential.This can be achieved by raising awareness among both young adults and seniors about the importance of empathy, patience, commitment, and understandingkey components of effective communication.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving Aging Elder Care and Social Issues Aging and Gerontology Research

Publication details

Journal / source
V&R unipress eBooks
Pages
251–264
Publication date
5 March 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter