Before you start

Intergenerational connection is defined as a practices that provide opportunities for purposeful and ongoing exchange between at least two non-familiar, non-adjacent older and younger people within social, civic and/or educational experiences.

 Intergenerational social connection emphasises social cohesion as a key part of the development and practice of intergenerational activities. There has been growing interest in improving intergenerational social connection in communities as a way of improving community health. Intergenerational social connection has been shown to have many benefits for the physical and mental well-being of younger and older people, but also for the health of communities. Intergenerational social connection is important because it promotes greater awareness and understanding among the younger and older generations, improvement of physical and mental wellbeing, and growth of self-esteem for both generations (Martins et al., 2019).   

The InterGen project used a unique model to develop intergenerational social connection responding to the people, places and activities that were unique to particular communities.

This model is unique because it emphasizes links and collaboration using community connectors thinking through three aspects phases of social connection. These include: