Intergenerational programs in long term care settings, which connect older adults to younger generations, have been recognized for combating social isolation, promoting empathy and understanding across age groups, and challenging ageist stereotypes. With the increasing popularity of these programs, this research aims to study the implementation process and development of these initiatives, identifying best practices and challenges in order to promote successful strategies for the future. This study compiles data from 21 intergenerational programs conducted by undergraduate healthcare administration students during their residency in a nursing home from 2020 to 2024. We conduct an in-depth review of the projects, investigating facility demographics, methodologies, and results, and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in various dimensions, including care quality, social isolation, and the psychological well-being of nursing home residents. Furthermore, we examine the most common barriers students encountered, such as limited resources and community engagement, as well as factors that promoted success, including teamwork and communication. By exploring these projects, we seek to offer recommendations for future program implementation, supporting the health and well-being of older adults and encouraging meaningful interactions across age groups.
