Author: Antonia Cacciola

Following the feedback we received from Ingvild, we organized a user testing session with 4-year-old kindergarten children. At the school, we created a welcoming and comfortable environment for the children by dividing the space into a reading area and a working area, while playing classical music softly in the background. After introducing ourselves and getting to know the children in the class, we presented our project and explained the activities we would be conducting. We then sat in the reading area and read the story of Federico. The children were very engaged, occasionally asking questions or making comments. Once we finished the story, we moved to the tables where we had previously set up the necessary materials. We gave the children their first task, starting with a quick reminder of what a little mouse looks like and showing them an image of Federico as a reference. Even though there wasn’t an elderly character present during the session, we tried to step into that role by collaborating with the children. We offered hints and guidance to those who needed help or were stuck, ensuring they could continue without frustration. The children were attentive and focused, but as we expected, not many showed much interest in coloring the mouse, likely due to their age. With older children, like 5-year-olds, this activity might have been more appealing. Since the first task was completed quickly, we decided on the spot to include an additional activity: drawing the wall of mice. This second task was a big hit! The children were enthusiastic, and many of them asked for extra sheets of paper to continue drawing. After about 40 minutes, we noticed their attention starting to wane. Before wrapping up, we asked the children to help us tidy up the materials they had used. They collaborated willingly and turned the cleanup into a team effort. We wrapped up the session on a positive note, and the classical music that played softly in the background throughout created a calming and pleasant atmosphere for the entire activity.

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We received positive feedback from Ingvild, who pointed out that we did a great job. She emphasized that our project is not only well designed, but also entirely feasible. “It would be absolutely possible” she said, highlighting the practicality of our approach. She especially appreciated the way we structured the proposed tasks. According to her, the tasks we proposed are realistic and can be effectively implemented by dividing participants into groups, as we initially planned. This validation reaffirms that our approach is both thoughtful and achievable. Feasibility of the Final Work Our ultimate goal is the creation of the "Silent Book", a personalized project for each participant. Ingvild pointed out that our objective is entirely achievable, because it avoids being overly ambitious or complex. By maintaining simplicity and clarity, we ensure that the project remains accessible and meaningful for both children and elderly participants. Our Research Our research into life in Norway and the challenges faced by our target groups has been both thorough and accurate. Ingvild appreciated our focus on understanding the realities of Norwegian life and the specific difficulties immigrant children may encounter. By exploring these aspects, we were able to build a solid foundation for our project, aligning it closely with the needs of both target groups. Intergenerational Focus Based on our in-depth research, we chose to emphasize intergenerational communication, placing the interactions between participants at the heart of the project. Ingvild recognized this as a key strength of our approach. This focus not only encourages mutual understanding but also contributes to the success and impact of the project. This feedback has been incredibly motivating for us as a team. It confirms that our hard work and planning are on the right track. We are excited to take these insights and continue refining our project, ensuring it delivers a lasting, positive impact for everyone involved.

Team C briefDownload

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…