This document printed from the University of Illinois Extension Cook County at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Generations United is the national membership organization committed to fostering intergenerational collaboration on public policy and programs to improve the lives of children, youth and older adults. It defines an intergenerational program as one which purposefully brings together people of different generations in ongoing, mutually beneficial, planned activities, designed to achieve specified program goals.
Successful, well-structured intergenerational programs offer a variety of benefits for all involved: children and youth, older adults, program staff and the community at-large. Intergenerational programs designed to meet the needs of the younger and older participants:
Dispel ageist myths and stereotypes
Promote an understanding of aging as a natural part of the life-cycle
Encourage the development of meaningful new relationships
Promote tolerance for diversity
Empower youth and elders to share their skills and strengths with each other
Offer vehicles for partnership development within the community
The variety of intergenerational program options is virtually unlimited. Common program models include:
Youth assisting elders (such as chore services programs, friendly visiting, or computer instruction)
Elders assisting youth (tutoring or mentoring programs)
Collaborative projects (oral history or intergenerational proms)
For assistance in developing an intergenerational program or identifying resources to supplement an existing program in North or Northwest Suburban Cook County, please contact us.
