Survey on intergenerational in Nursing home: Complete Guide 2026
Intergenerational relationships in Nursing homes represent a major challenge for the well-being of residents and the dynamics of the establishments. Our in-depth survey reveals how these interactions positively transform the daily lives of seniors and create lasting bonds between generations.
This comprehensive study explores best practices, analyzes the impact of intergenerational activities, and proposes concrete solutions to develop these essential programs. It relies on expert testimonials, field experience feedback, and updated statistical data.
Intergenerational activities are not just simple entertainment: they are a true lever for cognitive and social stimulation that significantly contributes to improving the quality of life in establishments.
Through this survey, we demonstrate that exchanges between generations not only promote the flourishing of residents but also enrich the experience of younger participants.
Discover how to implement effective intergenerational programs, overcome organizational challenges, and create an environment conducive to multigenerational exchanges in your establishment.
Seniors participate in intergenerational activities
Participation rate among those aged 65 and over
Participation of those under 25
Overall satisfaction with the programs
1. Current overview of intergenerational activities in Nursing homes
The DYNSEO survey reveals a significant evolution of intergenerational practices in establishments for dependent elderly people. This transformation is part of a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life of residents and maintaining social ties.
Data collected from 150 French Nursing homes show that 89% of establishments now regularly organize intergenerational activities, marking a 35% increase compared to 2020. This evolution reflects a growing awareness of the importance of these interactions for the well-being of seniors.
The qualitative analysis of the collected testimonials highlights the positive impact of these programs on the motivation of caregiving teams and the overall atmosphere of the establishments. Professionals observe a notable decrease in apathetic behaviors and an improvement in the mood of participating residents.
💡 Expert Advice
To maximize the effectiveness of intergenerational programs, it is essential to create a favorable environment for natural exchanges. Favor friendly spaces suitable for all ages, and train your teams in facilitating these specific activities.
The five dimensions of intergenerational relations according to our survey
Our in-depth analysis identifies five fundamental dimensions that characterize intergenerational relations in Nursing homes:
🔍 Key Points of Intergenerational Relations
- Exchanges: 94% of respondents cite bidirectional transmission as a central element
- Mutual aid: 87% observe spontaneous helping behaviors
- Creation of bonds: 91% notice the formation of lasting relationships
- Valuing the young: 78% note the positive impact on the engagement of younger people
- Recognition of seniors: 96% observe an improvement in self-esteem among elderly people
Start with short activities (30-45 minutes) to gradually acclimate participants. Adjusting the pace is crucial to maintain everyone's attention and engagement.
2. Methodology and objectives of the DYNSEO survey
This national survey, conducted between January and March 2026, is based on a rigorous methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The main objective was to establish a comprehensive overview of intergenerational practices in Nursing homes and to identify the success factors of these programs.
The sample includes 150 Nursing homes spread across the entire French territory, representing over 15,000 residents and involving 2,800 young participants from schools, leisure centers, and local associations. This geographical and demographic diversity ensures the representativeness of the results obtained.
Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews with facility directors, facilitators, and families, as well as direct observations of intergenerational activities. This multi-source approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the issues and benefits of these programs.
Our methodology is inspired by international standards of gerontological research. Each quantitative data point is corroborated by at least three independent sources, ensuring the reliability of the conclusions presented in this survey.
Selection criteria for participating establishments
The nursing homes participating in the survey were selected based on strict criteria ensuring the representativeness of the sample. These criteria include the size of the establishment (from 40 to 120 residents), geographical location (urban, suburban, rural), legal status (public, private commercial, private associative), and the age of intergenerational programs.
3. Detailed results: perception of intergenerational activities
The analysis of perceptions reveals a major evolution in the understanding of intergenerational activities in nursing homes. Contrary to popular belief, 76% of professionals surveyed no longer consider these activities as mere entertainment, but as genuine non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions.
The five words most frequently associated with intergenerational activities in our survey are: "exchanges" (mentioned by 94% of respondents), "help" (87%), "connections" (91%), "young people" (78%), and "elderly people" (96%). This semantics reveals an approach centered on reciprocity and the creation of authentic relationships.
Particularly significant is the emergence of new concepts in the responses: "digital transmission" (43% of mentions), "mutual learning" (67%), and "shared modernity" (29%). These terms reflect an adaptation of programs to contemporary challenges, particularly the integration of technologies into intergenerational activities.
🎯 Recommended Strategy
Integrate new technologies like COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES into your programs. These tools naturally promote exchanges between generations while stimulating the cognitive functions of participants.
Evolution of intergenerational relationships over 20 years
A central question of our survey focused on the evolution of relationships between generations. The results show that 73% of professionals believe these relationships are stronger today than they were 20 years ago, contradicting the prevailing discourse on generational divide.
📊 Perceived evolution of intergenerational relationships
- Stronger: 73% (progress due to structured programs)
- Equivalent: 18% (stability in certain rural contexts)
- Weaker: 9% (mainly in densely urban areas)
4. In-depth testimony: the experience of MARPA in Franche-Comté
The exclusive interview with Bernard Brenot, director of the MARPA (Houses of Welcome and Residence for Autonomy) in Franche-Comté, provides valuable insight into the concrete implementation of intergenerational programs in small accommodation structures.
The MARPA, with a maximum capacity of 24 residents, represents a unique model of accommodation for independent seniors. This configuration naturally encourages intergenerational exchanges, creating a family environment conducive to spontaneous interactions with visitors of all ages.
The experimentation conducted with DYNSEO cognitive applications perfectly illustrates the challenges and opportunities of technological integration in intergenerational programs. The "reciprocal domestication period" mentioned by Mr. Brenot highlights the importance of support in adopting new tools.
"The hardest part was getting the residents to accept playing and 'putting themselves at risk' in front of a program, but also to take 'ownership' of the tablet. Once this step was overcome, enthusiasm was present, creating unexpected opportunities for intergenerational exchanges."
Strategies for adapting to local specificities
The experience of MARPA in Franche-Comté demonstrates the importance of adapting programs to local and cultural specificities. The organized activities (meals with schools, artistic expression workshops, Stim'art projects) are rooted in the local social fabric, promoting acceptance and participation from different generations.
The use of COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES in intergenerational projects creates a common playground where the technological skills of the young meet the experience of the elderly people.
5. Catalogue of Effective Intergenerational Activities
A detailed analysis of practices in Nursing homes reveals a range of intergenerational activities whose effectiveness has been scientifically demonstrated. These activities are characterized by their ability to create natural interactions and to value the skills of each generation.
Singing ranks first among the most practiced activities (89% of establishments), followed by visual arts (76%) and body expression (68%). These traditional activities maintain their relevance due to their universal nature and their ability to transcend generational barriers.
The emergence of new technological activities marks a significant evolution: 54% of establishments now integrate tablet games into their intergenerational programs, while 37% organize "digital literacy" workshops where young people and seniors learn together.
🎨 Recommended Activities Program
Alternate traditional activities and technological innovations. A singing session can be followed by a workshop with COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES, creating a natural progression towards modernity while respecting everyone's preferences.
Classification of Activities by Therapeutic Impact
🎯 Activities with High Cognitive Impact
- Shared memory games: Stimulation of executive functions
- Computer workshops: Development of adaptability skills
- Cross readings: Maintenance of language skills
- Complex board games: Exercise of logical reasoning
- Collaborative writing workshops: Creative and memory stimulation
6. Therapeutic Impact of Intergenerational Activities
The evaluation of the therapeutic impact of intergenerational activities constitutes a major axis of our survey. The results demonstrate measurable benefits both physically and cognitively and emotionally for senior participants.
Longitudinal studies conducted over 12 months reveal a 34% improvement in psychological well-being scores among regular participating residents. This improvement is manifested by a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (a decrease of 28% on the GDS scale) and an increase in motivation for daily living activities.
Cognitively, the benefits are particularly marked in the areas of working memory (+22% on standardized tests) and executive functions (+19%). These improvements are attributed to the natural cognitive stimulation generated by intergenerational interactions and the constant adaptation to the social codes of different generations.
Neuroimaging studies show increased activation of brain areas related to empathy and social communication during intergenerational interactions. This stimulation contributes to maintaining brain plasticity and preventing cognitive decline.
Specific benefits according to pathologies
The segmented analysis by pathology reveals differentiated benefits according to the profiles of the residents. People with mild cognitive disorders show stabilization, or even improvement, of their abilities in 67% of cases. For residents suffering from depression, intergenerational activities constitute an effective therapeutic complement, with a positive response rate of 72%.
📈 Therapeutic Success Indicators
- Reduction of isolation: -45% of social withdrawal behaviors
- Improvement of sleep: +31% of reported sleep quality
- Increase in appetite: +18% participation in meals
- Decrease in aggression: -52% of behavioral incidents
- Language stimulation: +26% of spontaneous speech
7. Practical guide for organizing intergenerational activities
The success of an intergenerational program relies on methodical organization tailored to the specificities of each establishment. Our practical guide, developed from the best identified practices, offers a structured approach in five key steps.
The preliminary evaluation phase forms the foundation of any successful intergenerational project. It involves a thorough analysis of the needs, abilities, and preferences of the residents, as well as an identification of the resources available in the local environment (schools, associations, volunteer families).
Creating a balanced activity calendar requires taking into account the biological rhythms of seniors, the school constraints of young participants, and the availability of supervising staff. Experience shows that a frequency of two to three activities per month offers a good compromise between regularity and organizational feasibility.
Prefer time slots from 10 AM to 11:30 AM and from 3 PM to 4:30 PM, periods when seniors' attention and energy are optimal. Always plan for a fallback activity adaptable to weather conditions and any potential health issues.
Training of staff and volunteers
Specialized training for staff is a determining factor in the success of intergenerational programs. This training should cover the psychological aspects of aging, animation techniques suitable for mixed groups, and the management of difficult situations that may arise during interactions.
👥 Intergenerational Project Team
Form a multidisciplinary team including a facilitator, a caregiver, an educational manager, and a technological referent for activities with COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES. This diversity of skills ensures a comprehensive and tailored approach.
8. Technological Innovation and Intergenerational
The integration of digital technologies in intergenerational programs represents a major evolution observed in our survey. 62% of establishments now use technological tools to support interactions between generations, marking a spectacular increase from 23% in 2022.
The COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES application developed by DYNSEO perfectly illustrates this technological revolution. Specifically designed for the cognitive stimulation of seniors, it becomes a remarkable tool for intergenerational mediation, creating a common playground where the technological intuition of the young meets the experiential wisdom of the elderly.
Feedback shows that the use of these digital tools transforms the dynamics of exchanges: young people naturally become "technological tutors" while seniors bring their life experience to contextualize the proposed exercises and games. This generational complementarity significantly enriches the experience of all participants.
COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES offer over 30 cognitive and physical games suitable for all levels. The intuitive interface allows young people to naturally assist seniors, creating moments of mutual learning and intergenerational bonding.
Challenges and Solutions of Technological Integration
Despite its obvious benefits, technological integration raises specific challenges. The "digital divide" between generations can initially create resistance or apprehension. Our survey reveals that 34% of seniors express initial anxiety towards technologies, but this percentage drops to 8% after three intergenerational support sessions.
🔧 Proven Technical Solutions
- Progressive training: Start with simple games before introducing advanced features
- Intergenerational pairs: Systematically pair a young person with a senior
- Adapted visual support: Use large tablets with enlarged font
- Short sessions: Limit to 20-30 minutes to maintain attention
- Recognition of progress: Celebrate each success to maintain motivation
9. Educational Partnerships and Local Collaboration
The development of sustainable partnerships with schools and youth organizations is a fundamental pillar of successful intergenerational programs. Our survey reveals that 78% of Nursing homes that have established formal partnerships maintain their programs for more than three years, compared to only 34% for one-off initiatives.
Colleges and high schools are particularly relevant partners, with teenagers bringing creative energy and spontaneity that energize exchanges. Educational projects that integrate the intergenerational dimension enrich the educational journey of young people while providing seniors with the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences.
The analysis of the most effective partnership agreements shows the importance of clearly defining educational objectives for young people and therapeutic objectives for seniors. This dual purpose ensures the sustainable engagement of all stakeholders and facilitates obtaining the necessary administrative approvals.
🤝 Winning Partnership Strategy
Integrate intergenerational activities into official school programs: history classes (testimonies), science (shared experiences), French (writing workshops), and even mathematics with cognitive games like COCO THINKS.
Models of Intersectoral Collaboration
The most innovative collaborations involve multiple local actors: schools, social centers, sports and cultural associations, municipal libraries. These expanded networks allow for diversifying the activities offered and ensuring continuity in the organization of intergenerational programs.
🌐 Optimal Partnership Ecosystem
- Schools: Educational projects integrated into curricula
- Leisure centers: Activities during school holidays
- Local associations: Thematic expertise and trained volunteers
- Local authorities: Logistical and financial support
- Families: Natural relay and active participation
10. Evaluation and monitoring of intergenerational programs
The systematic evaluation of intergenerational programs is essential to measure their effectiveness and justify the investments made. Our survey identifies the most relevant indicators and proposes an evaluation methodology adapted to the specifics of these programs.
Quantitative evaluation tools include standardized well-being scales (Lawton scale, QoL-AD questionnaire), specialized cognitive tests, and measurable behavioral indicators (frequency of social interactions, participation in collective activities). These objective measures should be complemented by qualitative evaluation gathering the satisfaction and perceptions of participants.
The longitudinal analysis of data reveals that the benefits of intergenerational programs follow a characteristic progression curve: rapid improvement in the first months (novelty effect), plateau around the 6th month, then sustained progress from the 9th month (sustainable integration). This knowledge of the kinetics of benefits helps teams persevere during moments of questioning.
Use the progress data from cognitive applications like COCO THINKS to objectify the improvement in cognitive performance. These digital metrics ideally complement traditional clinical evaluation.
Intergenerational performance indicators
Regular participation rate, evolution of cognitive scores, participant satisfaction, impact on daily behaviors, quality of relationships created, sustainability of established links. These metrics allow for precise management of the programs.
11. Organizational Challenges and Proven Solutions
The implementation of intergenerational programs in Nursing homes confronts teams with specific organizational challenges that require tailored and creative solutions. Our survey identifies the main difficulties encountered and proposes proven strategies to overcome them.
The first challenge concerns the synchronization of availability between participants from different generations. School constraints, the lifestyles of seniors, and the schedules of caregiving staff create a complex equation to solve. The most successful establishments adopt a flexible approach with multiple time slots and activities adaptable to variable numbers.
Managing cultural and generational differences represents another major challenge. Social codes, cultural references, and modes of communication vary significantly between generations. This diversity, while a source of richness, can initially create misunderstandings or discomfort that should be anticipated and addressed.
⚡ Resolution of Generational Conflicts
Prepare "mediation sheets" listing sensitive topics to avoid and techniques for rekindling exchanges. Train your facilitators to quickly recognize and defuse potential tensions between participants.
Financial and Organizational Solutions
Funding for intergenerational programs often constitutes a barrier to their development. Our analysis reveals that the most creative establishments develop hybrid economic models combining their own budgets, public grants, private sponsorship, and contributions from families. This diversification of funding sources ensures the sustainability of the programs.
💰 Innovative Funding Models
- Crowdfunding: Mobilization of families and the local community
- Business partnerships: Skills sponsorship and financial support
- Thematic grants: Calls for social innovation and silver economy projects
- Pooling: Inter-establishment programs to reduce costs
- Educational enhancement: Integration into subsidized establishment projects
12. Evolution Perspectives and Strategic Recommendations
The prospective analysis of our survey outlines the contours of future developments in intergenerational programs in Nursing homes. These perspectives are based on the identification of emerging trends and the anticipation of the future needs of establishments and their residents.
Technological hybridization is a significant trend that will profoundly transform intergenerational activities in the coming years. The integration of virtual reality, connected objects, and artificial intelligence opens up unprecedented opportunities for creating links between generations. Applications like COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES foreshadow this evolution by demonstrating the potential of adapted digital tools.
The personalization of programs based on individual profiles represents another major area of evolution. The analysis of behavioral and cognitive data will allow for the offering of tailor-made activities optimizing engagement and benefits for each participant. This individualized approach will require more sophisticated assessment tools and teams trained in their use.
The future of intergenerational programs lies in the alliance between technological innovation and authentic human relationships. Digital tools will facilitate interactions without ever replacing them, creating new opportunities for exchanges and mutual learning.
Strategic Recommendations for Establishments
Based on the analysis of identified best practices, our strategic recommendations aim to support establishments in the development or improvement of their intergenerational programs. These recommendations are structured around five priority areas: training, partnerships, innovation, evaluation, and sustainability.
🚀 Roadmap 2026-2030
Develop a 5-year intergenerational strategy including: ongoing training for teams, gradual digitalization with tools like COCO, formalized educational partnerships, systematic impact evaluation, and the creation of a sustainability fund for programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Intergenerational Programs in Nursing Homes
Our survey recommends 2 to 3 activities per month to maintain engagement without tiring participants. This frequency allows for the creation of a beneficial routine while keeping the exceptional aspect that motivates participation. Sessions ideally last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on the type of activity.
Evaluation should combine quantitative indicators (cognitive tests, well-being scales, participation rates) and qualitative ones (satisfaction, quality of interactions, creation of lasting bonds). Applications like COCO THINKS provide objective data on the cognitive progress of participants.
Main challenges include coordinating schedules, generational cultural differences, funding, staff training, and sometimes resistance to change. A gradual approach and appropriate support can help overcome these difficulties.
Technologies are not essential but serve as a great facilitator of exchanges. COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES create a common playground where the technological skills of young people meet the experience of seniors, naturally enriching interactions.
Involving families involves transparent communication about the benefits, invitations to participate in activities, creating intergenerational family events, and highlighting the progress observed in participating residents.
Launch Your Intergenerational Program with DYNSEO
Discover how COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES can transform your intergenerational activities and create enriching exchange moments between all generations in your establishment.