Long-term effects of an intergenerational program on functional capacity in older adults: Results from a seven-year follow-up of the REPRINTS study

• We examine the long-term effects of the intergenerational picture book reading program “REPRINTS”.
• PREPRINTS and controls are followed for seven years.
• REPRINTS shows positive effects on intellectual activity and social network.
• REPRINTS group maintained greater physical functioning compared to controls.
• REPRINTS may contribute to maintaining/improved functional capacity.

BackgroundSocial engagement activities can help older adults maintain mental and physical functioning levels. This study examined the long-term effects of the intergenerational picture-book reading program “REPRINTS” (Research of Productivity by Intergenerational Sympathy) on older adults.MethodsAfter baseline assessment, participants were allowed to decide which condition they wanted to participate in: the REPRINTS intervention or control group involving only assessments. REPRINTS participants participated in group activities that involved playing a hand game and reading picture books to children at kindergartens, elementary schools, and public childcare centers, once every one–two weeks. A follow-up assessment, which focused on functional capacity (i.e., instrumental activities of daily living, intellectual activity, and social function), was conducted after seven years. The analysis included responses from 62 REPRINTS (mean age [SD] = 66.2 [5.7]) and 100 control-group participants (mean age [SD] = 68.0 [4.7]).ResultsA logistic regression analysis examining intervention effects revealed that control-group participants were more likely to reduce intellectual activity and interactions with children compared to REPRINTS participants (p = .013 and .003, respectively). Furthermore, the REPRINTS group maintained greater functional reach compared to the control group (p < .001). However, the REPRINTS group was likely to stay indoors more often, compared to the control group (p = .045).ConclusionThe present study indicates that the REPRINTS intergenerational program has long-term, positive effects that help maintain and promote intellectual activity, physical functioning, and intergenerational exchange, although the effect of the increasing amount of physical activity is unclear.