Abstract
An intergenerational community intervention based on contact theory and using ‘photovoice’ methods was designed to change negative age-group stereotypes and promote sense of community. A focused ethnographic approach was adopted. Participants were 18 young people and 13 older adults. Data from focus groups, carried out with each generation separately, and observational field notes were analysed using thematic analysis; credibility checks were carried out by auditing and respondent validation. Before the intergenerational intervention, both generations presented age-group stereotypes and both experienced only a weak sense of community. After the intervention, both generations felt that intergenerational contact had reduced age-group stereotypes and enhanced recognition of intergenerational similarity; many also articulated a positive sense of community. The intervention has promise for helping young people and older adults to feel more socially included. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.