Project Description:
PAIR is a co-created project involving Parkinson’s patients and researchers from the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR). This project includes an Intergenerational Service and Learning (SaL) pilot program, bringing together high-school students and Parkinson’s patients. The aim is to gather data and analyze whether intergenerational care can improve disease outcomes and patient well-being.
Students will work with researchers to develop questionnaires that assess the program’s impact on Parkinson’s patients. Additionally, the project will evaluate the benefits and effects on the students, focusing on their attitudes, behaviours, confidence, knowledge of Parkinson’s disease, and competencies in science and research.
The project will occur in the El Carmel neighbourhood of Barcelona during the 2024-2025 school year.
Project Type: Kickstarting Grant
Theme: Justice and Equity, Health
Mentor:Patricia Barciela
PAIR Project: Bridging Generations Through Care and Understanding
The PAIR Project (Parkinson’s Intergenerational Care) is an innovative initiative designed to connect Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with high school students through a unique program of intergenerational learning and care. At its core, the project seeks to build meaningful connections—bridging generations, fostering understanding between science and empathy, and addressing the challenges of ageing and youth in tandem.
Parkinson’s disease affects millions globally, impairing motor function and taking a profound emotional toll, often leading to isolation, anxiety, and depression. These emotional challenges can exacerbate the progression of the disease, making social connection and support vital. At the same time, younger generations face their struggles, such as social isolation, the pressures of digital networks, and limited exposure to the realities of ageing and chronic illness. This disconnection often results in a lack of understanding and empathy for older populations.
The PAIR Project responds to these challenges by creating opportunities for connection and mutual growth. Through a structured program, high school students partner with PD patients in a range of activities designed to foster emotional engagement and collaboration. These activities include creating art, participating in movement therapy, playing board games, and exploring digital literacy. For patients, these shared experiences alleviate loneliness and provide a sense of value and support. The program offers students a transformative opportunity to engage directly with older individuals, replacing stereotypes with understanding and empathy while fostering personal growth and a deeper awareness of neurodegenerative diseases.
The project has ambitious goals that extend beyond the immediate benefits for participants. It aims to enhance the well-being of PD patients by alleviating loneliness and fostering a sense of purpose through regular social interaction. At the same time, it seeks to empower students to grow into compassionate, socially responsible individuals while also introducing them to scientific research practically and engagingly. Ultimately, the initiative aspires to provide a scalable model for intergenerational care, potentially reshaping societal approaches to ageing, health, and inclusion.
Assessing the impact of the program is a key aspect of its design. Both patients and students participate in pre- and post-program evaluations, measuring emotional well-being, quality of life, and changes in attitudes. Tools such as the PDQ-39 and SEADL scales provide valuable clinical data, while open-ended questionnaires offer insights into the participants’ personal experiences. A control group of students who do not participate in the program is included to ensure scientific rigour.
The findings from the PAIR Project will be widely shared to amplify its impact. Anonymized data will be published on open science platforms, enabling researchers worldwide to build on its insights. Public events, including the Barcelona European Researchers’ Night, will engage the broader community, fostering dialogue at the intersection of health, education, and inclusion. A closing event will bring together participants, families, and stakeholders to celebrate the project’s outcomes, reflect on its impact, and inspire future initiatives.
Ultimately, the PAIR Project is much more than a research initiative—it is a vision for a society where generations learn from and support one another. By blending science with humanity, the project not only enriches the lives of those involved but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive, compassionate, and empathetic future.
