Definition of Intergenerational Practice
“Intergenerational (IG) 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.
Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive
resources that the young and old have to offer each other and those
around them”
(Beth Johnson Foundation, 2006)
Intergenerational relationships
The intergenerational relationship is
significant for a number of reasons:
- It recognises that everyone has the capacity to learn and grow
throughout the whole of the life span
- It promotes a sense of social responsibility as a citizen
- It sees the young and old as active, participating members of
their community
- It acknowledges every human beings need for reciprocity
- It demonstrates the mutual benefit that each group gains from
the exchange
Young and old have much in common
- They are the groups most likely to experience inequality,
poverty, abuse and disadvantage
- They are the most likely to be marginalised from decision
making
- They are the groups most often characterised as a problem or
issue and described in terms of deficit or burden
- Most likely to have most to give, based on exuberance of youth
and wisdom offered by older age.
There is an increasing need for Intergenerational
Practice due to
- Decreasing natural contact between generations
- Changing family structures
- Increasing suspicion and distrust and lack of tolerance
- More children lacking positive adult contact
- More isolated older people
- Increased concern over community and social cohesion
- Growing concern by young and old about community safety
- Negative stereotyping of young people and older people
Benefits of Intergenerational Practice
| Older People |
Younger People |
The Community |
|
Increased motivation
|
Increased self esteem and resilience
|
Better connected
|
|
Increased perception of self worth
|
Access to adults at times of difficulty
|
Less generational conflict and
misunderstanding
|
|
A valued identity and role
|
Enhanced sense of social responsibility
|
Builds social capital and participation
|
|
A sense of purpose
|
Reduced involvement in offending and solvent
abuse
|
Counters the ageism experienced by the
young and old
|
|
Reduced social isolation
|
Improved school attendance and attainment
|
Values the contribution of all of its
members
|
|
Improved motivation
|
Additional resources
|
Reducing isolation
|
|
Recognition of the skills they possess
|
Generational connections
|
Providing support to people
|
|
Learning new skills and ideas
|
Access to experience and history
|
Building social capital
|
|
Improved health and well being
|
Accepted for what have to give
|
Promoting active citizenship
|
|
Participating
|
Being valued
|
Healthy neighbourhoods and community cohesion
|