Making Connections
The generational disconnect America is experiencing can be bridged by
integrating people of all ages into our lives. Involving children with
more adults and seniors, will give them a better perspective and a view
into the future. Involving seniors with children and active adults
provides an opportunity to share knowledge and experience; pass down
culture, heritage and values; and eliminate isolation and restore
self-worth.
 There
are hundreds of organizations across the United States who recognize the
importance of intergenerational relationships. Partnerships between
childcare centers and nursing homes exist across the country. Retired
people are volunteering in schools, and mentoring youth and adults in the
business world. There is a sharing of knowledge with other generations.
Youth music and art performance centers regularly schedule outreach
concerts in senior living facilities, where they present their vitality
and energy. These are just a few examples. These organizations can and do
have different missions and purposes, but their intergenerational
components provide similar results in communities across the country.
However, for most, there is not a unifying focus on age-integration that
reaches beyond each individual's participation.
Intergeneration Foundation's role in combating age-segregation is the
sponsorship of Intergeneration Day, culminating Intergeneration Activities
Week, a national campaign designed to:
- Create a national time focusing on intergeneration experiences and
issues.
- Educate and inform individuals, families and organizations about the
overall benefits of connecting generations through intergenerational
programs and the importance to society as a whole.
- Bring attention to intergenerational success stories.
- Encourage and inspire intergenerational programs and relationships.
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