Abstract

There are few opportunities for different generations to interact, and generational conflicts are emerging as a social problem as the number of people aged 65 and over is increasing. Efforts to solve the problem through interactions between the young and the old have been made in various fields, but reading-related intergenerational activities are rare. A qualitative study was conducted to provide constructive suggestions by hosting a book club for the young and the old, carrying out individual interviews, and analyzing them. Participants in this study agreed that there were few opportunities for intergenerational exchanges. However, they found that reading-based intergenerational activities were mutually beneficial in the intergenerational book club. The participants hoped the number of such occasions would increase. The study resulted in a few implications for intergenerational book clubs, which should help vitalize the book clubs and accentuate the benefits of social reading.