"An intergenerational program is a planned intentional interaction of different
age groups, infant to elderly in a variety of situations at a level that provides
close communication, sharing of feelings and ideas and cooperative activity
in meaningful tasks."
Peacock and Talley, " Intergenerational Contact: A Way to Counteract
Ageism ", 1984
"Intergenerational programs are activities or programs that increase
cooperation, interaction or exchange between any two generations. It involves
the sharing of skills, knowledge or experience between young and old."
The United States National Council on Aging
Reproduced from material produced by: THE HALTON INTERGENERATIONAL PROJECT
The Benefits of Intergenerational Programming
Contact between the generations benefits both the young and the old.
While outcomes of a given progrgam will be unique, certain benefits can be
anticipated from a well planned intergenerational program.
Generations United identifies some of the most important benefits of intergenerational
progrgamming.
Intergenerational Programming::
- facilitates community collaboration, pooling resources, and cooperative problem-solving
- promotes an appreciation for rich cultural heritages, traditions and histories
- applies the strengths of one generation to meet the needs of another
- prevents unnatural age segregation, increases community awareness about issues that effect both young and old
- enhances the ability of public and private agencies to meet family and community needs
(Generations United, Linking Young and Old)