Research Background and Aims: Social connections and relationships are crucial for healthy adult development and ageing; however, little is known about the impact of intergenerational friendships on these developmental processes. This research aimed to explore how intergenerational friendships between younger (18-35) and older adults (55 and over) contributed to or influenced participants’ adult development as proposed by Erikson (1950). The research also aimed to understand how intergenerational friendships are formed, as well as older and younger adults’ experiences of loneliness and social isolation.
Participants and Methods: Older (55+) and younger (18-35) adults participated in individual or dyad interviews to understand each friend’s perspectives of their intergenerational friendship and how their friendship impacted or contributed to their adult development. The interviews also explored participants’ experiences of loneliness and social isolation. Framework analysis was used to identify themes in relation to Erikson’s stages of adult development; namely identity formation, intimacy, generativity, and integrity, and themes related to social isolation and loneliness.
Results: The findings highlight the reciprocal influence of intergenerational friendships in the processes of adult development for both younger and older adults. The results also contribute to our understanding of intergenerational connections, how these friendships are formed, and how intergenerational friendships may reduce ageist perceptions, loneliness, and social isolation.
Conclusions and Implications: These findings may inform future research on contact interventions that aim to build friendships between generations to promote healthy adult development and increase social connection. Taken together, promoting intergenerational friendships may have a positive impact on adult development, experiences of loneliness and social isolation, and promote positive views of ageing.