In my master´s thesis, I researched the importance of the DANica Rače – Fram intergenerational center for the users in the municipality of Rače – Fram. In the initial part, I first presented the view of age and aging, theories about age and aging, and presented the aging of the population in Slovenia and the municipality of Rače – Fram. I described the needs of old people, presented the basic needs according to Maslow. I defined intergenerational cooperation, the importance of the intergenerational center, described the general operation and goals of the DANica Rače – Fram intergenerational center.
I carried out a survey with the population of users of the DANica Rače – Fram intergenerational centre. Through the analysis of the survey questionnaire, I found that the users get involved in the activities of the intergenerational center mainly for socializing, learning, and the content of the activity itself. The operation of the intergenerational center in the Rače – Fram municipality means a lot to them. They believe that participation in the intergenerational center has a good effect on their health. They met new people, have a more positive attitude towards life, fill their everyday life, feel fulfilled, useful, positive, happy, life in this period acquired a different quality. In the future, they want at least the same operation of the center as it was until now, they do not want big changes. But they want a bigger space for activities, a driveway for the disabled or easier access for those who have difficulty walking.
I conducted a focus group on a non-random and convenience sample of eight users in order to get more in-depth descriptions of the reasons for visiting and the effects. The users said that the intergenerational center has become a place for them to socialize and collaborate; to have many activities and possibility to realize new ideas. They believe that it is geared towards a healthy way of life, appreciation and respect for the individual, social and cultural life; but above all to intergenerational connection, enrichment and learning.
|