INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS
How do we alleviate the social isolation and loneliness that disproportionately impact older adults, adolescents, and young people? How do we decrease ageism and create communities of belonging? By connecting generations through high-quality programs that involve shared passions and interests.
The key components to a high-quality intergenerational program:
​
-
Intentional Design & Purpose
-
Engagement Around a Common Interest
-
Storytelling
-
Collaboration Across Facilitating Organizations
Loneliness & Social Isolation
In 2022, our adolescents suffered:
-
16% were bullied online
-
22% seriously considered suicide
-
42% felt persistently sad and hopeless
(CDC)
​​
Lonely and socially isolated older adults are at unnecessary risk compared to those who feel connected:
-
32% increased risk of stroke
-
50% increase of developing dementia
-
68% increased hospitalization rate when someone has heart failure
(NCBI)
Social Connection Heals
2+ meaningful connections with older adults helps youth:
-
Learn how to regulate their emotions
-
Develop healthy coping skills
-
Foster self-esteem
-
Maintain physical and psychological safety
(NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH)
93% of people with a close intergenerational friend agree the connection provides unique benefits they don’t receive elsewhere, (AARP, 2019)
54% new world perspectives
37% greater life appreciation
34% a feeling of being valued (AARP)
"Youth who felt connected during middle and high school have fewer problems with substance use, mental health, suicidality, and risky sexual behavior as adults."
(CDC)
