An investigation into the social network between three generations in a household

bridging the interrogational gaps between the Senior and the youth

Tsai-Hsuan Tsai

Yi-Lun Ho

Kevin C. Tseng

pp. 277-286

in: A. Ant Ozok, Panayiotis Zaphiris (eds), Online communities and social computing, Berlin, Springer, 2011

Abstract

The traditional pattern of living arrangements makes the family a strong source of financial and emotional support for its members, and it connects grandparents and grandchildren in a unique bond. Unfortunately, it is reported that the number of older people living alone is rising in most countries. Although a lot of effort has been put into slowing down the social and emotional isolation experienced by the elderly, little has been done to investigate the social interaction between generations. In order to bridge intergenerational gaps between three generations of a family, this research work begins with an interview-based study to give insight into individual perspectives among those aged parents living alone and to identify their specific needs in generational connections and interactions.