Author(s) :

Anvi Jadhav.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This review paper examines the impact of intergenerational activities between older adults and younger individuals across community, institutional, home-based, and remote settings on the cognitive health of older adults. It synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials and observational studies that have explored various types of intergenerational programs, including mentoring, volunteering, companionship, and educational activities. Across studies, outcomes commonly include mood, social connection, self-esteem, and cognitive performance in older adult participants. While several studies report positive effects on cognitive and psychosocial outcomes, the evidence suggests variation by program type and intensity. High-engagement models such as mentoring are associated with improvements in executive function and related cognitive domains, whereas lower-intensity support-based programs primarily affect psychosocial well-being with more limited cognitive change. This review also highlights key characteristics of effective programs, including sustained engagement, structured interaction, and cognitive challenge, as well as the importance of program design in shaping outcomes. Despite promising findings, the literature is limited by small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and inconsistent methodologies. Overall, the findings indicate a need for more rigorous, longterm studies to clarify which types of intergenerational activities most effectively support cognitive health in older adults.