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 age of 21 years and older adults, generally aged 60 years and older. Although more current usage of the term is less rigid, there is still extra attention to the younger and older generations; however, the middle generations are not excluded.

A more comprehensive definition, one that is more readily known and used in the international community, is provided by the Beth Johnson Foundation in the United Kingdom: “Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities.”

The choice of the word practice rather than program reflects some evolution in what is meant by the word program. Traditionally, for intergenerational practitioners, the reference was to structured social and human service programs that have activity-specific curricula designed to achieve identified goals. Over time, in part as a function of the growing international attention to strengthening intergenerational relationships within communities and families alike, the meaning has broadened to encompass a wider range of intergenerational engagement.

Indeed, the current literature refers to an intergenerational field of study encompassing programs, policies, and practices that demonstrate effective intervention strategies and produce mutual benefits for all ages. To avoid confusion, in this entry, the term intergenerational programs is used in its more narrow definition of planned and carefully organized programs of intervention, while the term intergenerational programs and practices is reserved for referring to a broader array of intergenerational engagement, including cultural practices, institutional or government policies, and specially designed environments.

As intergenerational programs and practices take form in different regions, there are certain [Page 1185]unique emphases. For example, in countries in Western Europe, intergenerational specialists tend to emphasize objectives and outcomes tied to the concepts of social inclusiveness and intergenerational solidarity. In many countries in Asia, in part due to cultural and social perceptions of intergenerational relations focused primarily on the family unit, formal efforts to link generations tend to highlight issues related to family care, communication, and cohesiveness. Such cultural diversity within the intergenerational field can be viewed as an asset insofar as it further enriches and broadens intergenerational practice.