Abstract
This study offers insights on the deconstruction of ageism through the Pages Across Ages intergenerational book club, conducted at multiple locations across two US cities. While generational gaps are being driven by an “increase in overall longevity that is predicted to drive the largest population surge among the ‘oldest adults’” (Vandergriff et al., 2024), our study presents interventions that work to shift attitudes towards this population. Participants of the book club are of two categories: elders, aged 60+and young adults, aged 18-25. Participants discuss a “novel selected for its potential to foster point-driven conversation about relevant issues across the age continuum” (Vandergriff et al., 2024, p. 8) over 10 consecutive weeks. We analyze qualitative video data of the weekly interactions, focus group interviews, and pre- and post-book club depression/loneliness scales to examine the meaningful connections established between the two participant groups as well as how different modes of interaction – in this case in-person and via Zoom – impact the quality of these intergenerational interactions and/or shifts in an array of perceptions. While Plummer and colleagues’ (2022) study primarily reports on the benefits of such book club interactions for older persons, we report evidence of improvements in overall wellbeing and positive changes in the perceptions of both participant groups, thus, providing intergenerational benefits.
Presenters
Trini StickleAssociate Professor, English, Western Kentucky University, Kentucky, United States Heather Neidlinger
Student, MFA in Creative Writing, Western Kentucky University, Kentucky, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Aging, Intergenerational Solidarity and the Polycrisis
KEYWORDS
Ageism, Aging, Book Club, Depression, Gerontology, Geriatric Medicine, Intergeneration, Loneliness
