Caring connections: A systematic review of health and wellbeing benefits of intergenerational farming activities

Background and Objectives: Intergenerational farming activities, including care of plants, animals, and surrounding environments, enable connection with nature and participating generations. This systematic review aimed to determine health and wellbeing impacts of intergenerational farming activities for older adults, children/youth and community; key factors contributing to establishment, engagement in, and sustainability of intergenerational farming programs: and whether they support ‘ageing-in-place'. Research Design and Methods: A systematic search was undertaken of five databases. Studies could be qualitative and/or quantitative, involve an intergenerational activity/program inclusive of older adults and children/youth, report health and wellbeing outcomes and be written in English. Adopting a social ecological lens, qualitative data were synthesised and reported thematically. Quantitative data were descriptively presented. Results: Twenty-two studies were included. Seven themes relating to health and wellbeing impacts were identified: physical health benefits, psychological benefits, positive relationships and interpersonal skills, community and belonging, purposeful work or learning, environmental engagement, and connection to culture. Factors impacting establishment, engagement in, and sustainability of activities included planning and implementation considerations, partnerships, agency and anticipated future opportunities/benefits. No studies reported if, or how, intergenerational farming activities support ‘ageing-in-place’. Discussion and Implications: Intergenerational farming activities appear to offer holistic health and wellbeing benefits, reflecting Indigenous approaches to healing through connections to land, culture, and community. Establishing sustainable programs requires planning, training and partnerships. More robust research utilising objective measures is required to support findings. Further investigation is needed. Furthermore, studies investigating how intergenerational farming supports ‘ageing-in-place’ is recommended.