In the first, theoretical part of my master’s thesis, I define the three generations and discuss intergenerational relationships, intergenerational solidarity, as well as intergenerational communication and conflict. I also present certain intergenerational programs and discuss social networks and free time from the point of view of elderhood. Furthermore, I draw connections with sustainable care.
In the second part of my thesis, I used a questionnaire to determine the stance of Prezid villagers on establishing an intergenerational center and positioning it within the local community. 90 Prezid villagers aged from 15 to 90 filled out the questionnaire. I wanted to determine what the three generations thought about establishing an intergenerational center, about volunteering, and about the activity of the villagers. I was interested in what the intergenerational cooperation in their community was like, whether they wanted to improve it, and what kinds of activities they were willing to participate in if an intergenerational center were established.
I interviewed five retirees from Prezid who were older than 65. In the interviews, I focused on the intergenerational relationships within the local community and within families, as well as on the older people’s opinions on today’s youth. I was also interested in what they thought about intergenerational centers, about their conflict with the other two generations, and about their methods for resolving intergenerational conflict when it occurs.
The results indicate that all three generations are willing to cooperate in an intergenerational center and that integration with such a center would improve the quality of life for the older people. I have found that many participants in the survey are acquainted with volunteer work and that they are largely willing to volunteer in activities organized within the intergenerational center. The villagers believe It is important to be an active member of the community and to socialize with other generations. They desire a greater degree of intergenerational interaction as this would lead to better intergenerational relationships and intergenerational solidarity.
In the interviews, the retirees mentioned good social networks and good relationships with their families, friends, and neighbors. They spend their free time by doing chores, looking after their grandchildren, going for walks and socializing. They expressed a need for a greater diversity of activities and that they would like to spend their free time by engaging in social activities. They spend most of their time with the old and middle generations. The generation they are least in contact with is the young generation. Spending time with the youth breaks the monotonousness of their lives and alleviates boredom. They are convinced that establishing an intergenerational center would help them lead more active lives and increase the overall quality
of life. They believe the reasons for intergenerational conflicts are disrespect, misunderstandings, and different viewpoints of the youth and the older people. Whenever conflict arises, they settle it amicably by talking.
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