There has been a remarkable increase in the global older adult population, with projections indicating that by 2050, this demographic will reach 1.5 billion people worldwide.

 

Intergenerational dynamics refers to the patterns of interaction, influence, and relationships between the different generations within families, communities or societies. It is based on the idea that each generation is responsible for supporting others. It is how generations interact and influence each other and transmit values, beliefs, and behaviors across time. In the recent years there has been a dramatic change in the intergenerational dynamics.

 

In the Maldives, intergenerational family dynamics have traditionally involved extended families with the eldest male as the head, but it is now evolving towards smaller, more nuclear structures. While older family members were once primarily cared for by their children and contributed to upbringing of younger generations, these strong bonds are gradually weakening due to factors like globalization, modernization, urbanization and fast advances in technology that widen the intergenerational gap.

 

Promoting ways to bridge the intergenerational gap can have several social, emotional and physical benefits to both the individual and the community as whole. Bridging the gap between generations is essential for understanding, cooperation and unity of all of which are crucial for thriving families, communities and societies. To bridge the intergeneration gap and strengthen intergenerational solidarity, various programs have been developed across the globe. However, because of differences in culture no uniform program can be implemented across the globe, but can be shared to adopt to local context.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Exeter. After graduating i moved back to the Maldives. I started working in the Government in the Ministry of Gender and Family, a body established to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Maldives.

 

After the 2004 Tsunami I worked as a volunteer in outreach programmes to the islands providing psychological support.

In 2004 I joined the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) as a field officer. After completing my contract with IFRC I joined American Red Cross in the Maldives, in their psychosocial Support Program as a Community Project Manager which involved projects to build resilience and community mobilisation.

 

In 2008 I went on to further my education to do a Masters of Health Psychology, at the University of Coventry. After graduating I worked as a lecturer at the Maldives National Univeristy.