Intergenerational Community
We envision a community where intergenerational interactions are the norm.
Our communities will intentionally promote healthy living by providing opportunities for sharing information, support, and connections between generations.
(Aging Well Whatcom Blueprint, 2019)
Because participants in the 2019 Aging Well Whatcom Summit indicated such strong interest in the focus area of intergenerational community, it’s included in the 2020 Workplan. In late February, a group of interested community members met to discuss ways to implement the intergenerational community aspect of the Blueprint.
Please let us know if you’d like to get updates, meeting invitations, and information about intergenerational community building in Whatcom County.
What’s already happening? We invite you to share ways you see intergenerational community being built in your neighborhood, organization, school, or faith community.
“Dear Friend” Pen Pal Project
While interaction across generations has always been important, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased isolation among older adults and intensified the need to intentionally build intergenerational relationships. COVID-19 has also constrained the options for ways to do that without placing individual and community health at risk. The “Dear Friend” Pen Pal Project grew out of the recognition that letter-writing is an actionable, meaningful and safe approach build connections during this time when opportunities for in-person interactions are limited.
In the US and around the world, there is growing interest in connecting across generations. Here are some of the most useful resources we’ve found.
General Resources
Generations United works to improve lives through intergenerational programs, policies, and strategies.
Bridges Together raises awareness and advocates for intergenerational engagement.
Intergenerational Programs: The Missing Link in Today’s Aging Initiatives. Bridges Together (2018).
Creating An Age-Advantaged Community: A Toolkit for Building Intergenerational Communities that Recognize, Engage, and Support All Ages. MetLife Foundation and Generations United (2016).
A Guide to Intergenerational Strategies for Public Sector Innovators Seeking Solutions to Community Challenges. Encore.org Gen2Gen Initiative (2020).
Programs of Distinction designation from Generations United - highlights best practices from around the country.
Intergenerational Programming & Activities
Connecting Generations, Strengthening Communities: A Toolkit for Intergenerational Program Planners. Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning (2005).
Penn State Intergenerational Program. Intergenerational activities for enriching lives, strengthening families, and building cohesive, caring communities.
Youth Led Intergenerational Projects. Generations United and Mentor Up (2014).
Intergenerational Programming Toolkit. City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
ABCs of Intergenerational Activities. Bridges Together.
Intergenerational Housing
Summary of articles on intergenerational housing programs and models (compiled 2016)
Can America Embrace the Vision and Promise of Intergenerational Co-housing? American Society on Aging (2018).
National Shared Housing Resource Center raises awareness of the benefits of homesharing, encourages best practices, and fosters development of new programs.
Intergenerational Programming in Senior Housing: From Promise to Practice. Generations United and Leading Age (2017).
Connecting Generations in Senior Housing: A Program Implementation Toolkit. Generations United and Leading Age (2019).
Shared Sites
Tried and True: A Guide to Successful Intergenerational Activities at Shared Site Programs. Focuses on a co-located adult day services program and child development center. Generations United & Neighbors Growing Together.
Best of Both Worlds: A Closer Look at Spaces That Connect Young and Old. Generations United and the Eisner Foundation (2019).
Intergenerational Evaluation Toolkit. Generations United, Eisner Foundation, & Ohio State University (2019).
Making the Case for Intergenerational Childcare: How Adults 50+ Can Support Home-Based and Family Childcare Centers. Encore Gen2Gen Initiative (2017).