Intergenerational Tension or Cohesion during the COVID-19 Pandemic?: A Letter-writing Study with Older New Zealanders

Abstract

This paper examines older people’s experiences of intergenerational interaction during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ). This paper presents an analysis of a letter-writing study with older people (mean = 77 years) living in NZ. A total of 760 letters were received from 870 participants. A sub-sample of 412 letters focused on intergenerational interaction were analyzed thematically. This analysis presents a mostly positive picture of intergenerational interaction particularly on the family and neighborhood level. Letters highlighted narratives of mutual concern and positive interactions between generations while also hinting at some underlying age-related tension on a societal level.