Intergenerational Programs

To begin defining intergenerational programs, it is helpful to deconstruct both words intergenerational and program. Insofar as the prefix inter refers to between, the word intergenerational alludes to what takes place between generations. This refers to cooperation, interaction, or exchange between generations. Members of different generations are not only present and engaged in shared activities but are also actively engaged with one another. This entry describes systems for classifying intergenerational programs; developmental benefits for participating children, youth, and older adults; implications for strengthening communities and promoting cultural identity and continuity; and program planning and development practices found to contribute to positive outcomes.

In early literature on intergenerational programming, the target audience was occasionally referred to as the bookend generations of the life span, youth under the ...