Dai modelli teorici di riferimento alle ricerche-sperimentazioni di turismo intergenerazionale

The project is based on the early research of the Generational Encounters Laboratory, by Scientific Coordinator Prof. Antonietta Albanese at the University of Milan (1998) on “Computer Languages and intergenerational communication”. It takes as its primary objective the research projects carried out in the academic years 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 of “socializing the generations, by socializing institutions” (Albanese A., 1999, 2000a), with several experiences/researches of intergenerational tourism, being carried out across the country with some still currently being in progress. The multi- theoretical and multi-method approach proposed by the Generational Encounters Laboratory takes as a reference the main theoretical models of social psychology, with some references to the psychology of aging. It also adopts a scientific approach, the action-research of Kurt Lewin (1968) which is characterized by the transition from theoretical models to design and action, so as to compare the results achieved with the theories of reference. This paper gives an account of the first experiences/reseraches done in various areas of the north and centre of the country plus the islands: − in the picturesque setting of the Val di Non, Trentino, at Sfruz -Tn- (2000-2003); − in the spa town of Viterbo (2002-2003) which has progressively involved several villages of the province; − in Benetutti Terme -Ss- (2003). The main results obtained, through the specific nature of each experience/research, have identified a common pattern in the evolution of relations between the participants and the intergenerational communication that is developed according to the stages of “approach”, “knowledge” and “empathy”. These results are discussed in the light of the main theoretical models.