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Background and project overview

This project aims to connect two socially isolated groups: elderly individuals and immigrant children aged 4-5. Many elderly people in Bergen, Norway, experience reduced social contact and fewer activities following retirement or life changes, such as the loss of a spouse. This isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. On the other hand, young immigrant children often grow up without extended family, missing out on the warmth, guidance, and emotional support that grandparents traditionally provide.

By organizing regular meetings between 20 elderly participants and 10 immigrant children, this project seeks to bridge this social gap. Both groups will have the opportunity to form meaningful connections: elderly participants will share their time and experience, while the children will benefit from the affection and attention they might lack. These intergenerational interactions are expected to foster mutual understanding, provide companionship, and create lasting positive impacts on both groups.

Research foundation

-Population statistics

Bergen (Norway): population: 292,516 (2024)
● minorities (first and second generation): 58,175 -> 19,93 percent; the biggest:

• Poland (6755)
• Ukraine (2384)
•  Lithuania (2151)
• Syria (2064)
• Somalia (2010)
• Iraq, Eritrea, Germany, India, Romania (below 2000).

The project focuses on immigrant children who may experience limited cultural integration and reduced interaction with local elderly individuals. [5]

-Depression among the elderly

Depression and depressive symptoms are common among elderly people and present a significant public health concern, particularly as the prevalence of depression increases with age. In Norway, studies show that around 20% of those aged 80 and older experience depression. This is often linked to chronic illnesses, which can severely affect their quality of life.

A key factor contributing to depression in older adults is a lack of social support. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness are closely associated with psychological distress, highlighting the need for interventions that address these issues. Studies suggest that group programs designed to promote interaction and engagement are highly effective in reducing loneliness. Additionally, activities that involve mental and social stimulation, physical exercise, and nutrition are known to positively impact elderly mental health. Programs like singing groups have shown promise in promoting well-being among older adults in Norway. [1] [2]

-Acculturation theory

Acculturation theory (4 ways of adaptation: integration, assimilation, separation, marginalization) – usually those who integrate (are engaged in both their heritage culture and the host culture) are better adapted than those who acculturate by orienting themselves to one or the other culture or to neither culture. [3]

-Previous interventions

A 2012 intervention in Oslo aimed to alleviate elderly loneliness through senior center activities but yielded limited success, suggesting that standard activities may be insufficient. Research indicates that structured intergenerational engagement and collaborative planning are more impactful in reducing isolation. [1]

Project Constraints and Considerations

-Limitations of the Elderly

Elderly individuals in Norway generally enjoy good health compared to their peers in other countries. While they may face age-related challenges, such as bone health issues, the Norwegian healthcare system has protocols to support recovery and maintain physical well-being. [4]

-Limitations of the Children

At the age of 4-5, children naturally experience developmental limitations due to the immaturity of the prefrontal cortex, impacting several cognitive abilities:

• Sustained Attention
• Impulse Control
• Working Memory
• Short-Term Memory
• Organization and Planning
• Problem-Solving Skills

These cognitive developmental stages can affect the children’s ability to fully engage in activities and may require careful structuring of interactions to suit their needs and attention spans. [7]

-Interaction challenges

Since the elderly participants are native Norwegians and the children come from immigrant families, potential language barriers may arise. This could limit communication initially, but the project will explore ways to bridge these gaps, possibly through non-verbal activities or translation support to facilitate interaction.

Introduction to Interaction Design Activity: Tactile Book Creation

This interaction design activity, inspired by Bruno Munari’s work, focuses on creating tactile books that encourage hands-on exploration and sensory discovery. Participants are divided into small groups, each tasked with selecting various materials to construct pages for their book. By exchanging books at the end, groups can engage in a two-part interaction: first, interpreting the tactile qualities they expect based on sight, and then confirming or adjusting these impressions through touch.

–Process and Material Organization

Groups are provided with essential materials like resealable rings for binding, a drill for creating holes, and multi-material glue for securely attaching textures. The choice of materials aims to provide diverse tactile experiences, ranging from textured plastics and fabrics to woods and metals—often sourced from upcycled or reclaimed objects. Hidden textures or “surprises” within the pages, such as concealed marbles, add an element of delight, making each interaction unique and thought-provoking as participants explore the sensory qualities of each page.

Target users

10 elderly Norwegians, aged 65+ from Bergen who may experience social isolation and could benefit from structured group interactions.
20 children mostly from immigrant families, aged 4-5 who may lack regular interactions with elder figures and opportunities for cultural integration.

Market (budget)

1184,59 kr (estimated)

Bibliography

[1] Bøen, H., Dalgard, O. S., Johansen, R., & Nord, E. (2012). A randomized controlled trial of a senior centre group programme for increasing social support and preventing depression in elderly people living at home in Norway. BMC geriatrics, 12, 1-11.

[2] Cattan, M., White, M., Bond, J., & Learmouth, A. (2005). Preventing social isolation and loneliness among older people: a systematic review of health promotion interventions. Ageing & society, 25(1), 41-67.

[3] David, L. S., Berry, J. W. (2010). Acculturation: When Individuals and Groups of Different Cultural Backgrounds Meet. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(4), 472-481.

[4] Islam, M. K., Ruths, S., Jansen, K., & altri. (2021). Evaluating an integrated care pathway for frail elderly patients in Norway using multi-criteria decision analysis. BMC Health Services Research, 21, 884. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06805-6

[5] Norway, S. (2020). Inntekt for husholdninger, etter region, statistikkvariabel, husholdningstype og år [Household income by region, statistical variables and household type].

[6] Restelli, B. (2002). Giocare con tatto: per una educazione plurisensoriale secondo il metodo Bruno Munari. FrancoAngeli.

[7] Tsujimoto, S. (2008). The prefrontal cortex: Functional neural development during early childhood. The Neuroscientist, 14(4), 345-358.

Sitography
[8] https://youtu.be/nRt3LRkdEmY?feature=shared