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. Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive resources that the young and old have to offer each other and those around them (Definition of Intergenerational Practice: Beth Johnson Foundation, 2001)

Younger and older people are the two groups most affected by ageist attitudes and when we talk about abuse, poverty, lack of political voice and marginalisation these two groups are the most affected.

Intergenerational approaches are an effective way to address a number of issues - many of them key government priorities - such as building active communities, promoting citizenship, regenerating neighbourhoods and addressing inequality.

Intergenerational initiatives have direct impacts on those involved, as well as on their communities. Participants may feel increased self-esteem from being able to give to and receive from others. They can experience improvements in health and a greater sense of being valued members of their communities.

Intergenerational initiatives often fall into three categories:

  • members of one generation supporting another
  • people from different generations working together to address community issues
  • people from different generations learning together

Changes in society have led to generations frequently becoming segregated from one another, this separation can lead to unrealistic and negative stereotypes, and a decrease in positive exchanges between them. Yet these separated generations do have resources of value to each other and furthermore share areas of concern.

For examples of intergenerational projects please view the Centre's case studies.

To be kept up to date on current intergenerational activities join the Centre's member network.

  • “Building better relationships between generations, so everyone in a community benefits” sounds so obvious and natural, but it is much easier to say than do. The Centre for Intergenerational Practice has spent 10 years unpicking the clichés and the myths, searching for the truths about intergenerational work, to best support individuals and communities who are trying to make it happen. The Centre’s hard work has pushed this issue up the political and social agenda and made sure it is taken seriously, rising above the cute photo opportunity. Congratulations to all the staff on reaching their 10th birthday, and thank you for your tenacity, flexibility and imagination along the way. My job would be harder if you didn’t exist.”
    Susan Langford MBE, Director, Magic Me