INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COOPERATION IN SLOVENIA

Abstract

Population ageing and the current crisis require a new solidarity betweengenerations. With low birth rate and the prolongation of life, the classic intergenerationalrelationships in Slovenia are quickly changing, therefore it is demandedfrom policymakers, that in cooperation with experts and civil society, they re-definethem. The purpose of the research is to study and analyse intergenerationalconnectedness by way of reviewing the current situation. The prevalence of oldergeneration is increasing more and more. Older people often encounter problems likeloneliness, depression, loss of motor and functional abilities. They are also prone tovarious illnesses. For elderly, loneliness especially can represent a common problemwhich makes their past rich lives empty and unworthy. On the basis of the surveyconducted, activities that could bring together different generations are suggested.The study focuses on two groups: the young and the old generation. Thequestionnaires were designed for each of these groups separately. Thus we managedto compile the needs and wishes of both target groups. The complementaryknowledge of our study contributes to a new level of quality in the field ofintergenerational cooperation and health improvement. Moreover, it contributes to a better integration of lonely elderly people as well as young people deprived ofphysical social integration due to the negative influence of advanced technologies.