Intergenerational programs, which create opportunities for older and younger people to live, work, learn, and play together, have gained attention recently — and for good reason.
Nancy Henkin, Ph.D., founder and executive director of The Intergenerational Center at Temple University, has long emphasized that these programs support the health and happiness of both young and old, as well as strengthen the wider community. Her decades of research show that intergenerational initiatives boost participants’ productivity, foster a positive sense of interdependence, and encourage ongoing contributions to the common good. Henkin’s work highlights that these programs can be especially transformative for children from low-income families and neighborhoods.
Intergenerational programs bridge the age gap
As interest in this approach grows, a number of retirement communities, including continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), are launching meaningful intergenerational initiatives. Below are a few recent examples that illustrate the power of connecting generations.
Personal Histories Photography
Imagine your home is on fire and you can only save one photograph. Which one would it be?
That question was the starting point for a project led by associate professor Roddy MacInnes of the University of Denver’s School of Art and Art History. MacInnes asked his students to interview residents of Clermont Park retirement community in Denver about their most treasured photo, then photograph the resident holding that image. The portraits and personal stories became an exhibit titled “Personal Histories Photography” and were also compiled into a book for the participants.
Beyond revealing memorable life stories, the project created lasting bonds between students and residents. Many participants reported that the relationships formed during the project felt enduring. As MacInnes observed, learning each other’s stories cultivates compassion; the project, he said, is “about love.”
Bringing together college seniors and senior citizens
Would a college student choose to live in a retirement community in exchange for housing? Drake University and Deerfield senior living community in Des Moines, Iowa, created a program to explore that idea. As part of an artist-in-residence arrangement, a selected Drake music student receives free room and board at Deerfield and, in return, performs two concerts a month for residents.
Deerfield resident Glenis Nunn, 89, described how the program reshaped residents’ perceptions of young people: instead of focusing on negative stereotypes, residents experienced the talents and kindness of students firsthand. The exchange also helped students dispel assumptions about aging and see older adults as engaged, interesting individuals.
The “Glebe” Club
In Botetourt, Virginia, sixth-graders from Read Mountain Middle School visit The Glebe retirement community once a month during lunch and PE as part of The Glebe Club. Each student is paired with a specific senior and they meet regularly around a theme to share traditions and stories. Over time, many of the pairings developed into strong friendships, with some former students staying in touch with their senior buddies long after the program ended.
Angela Myers, the English teacher who started The Glebe Club seven years ago, notes that students eagerly anticipate their visits and that the program fosters meaningful, intergenerational connections.
Everyone wins
Programs like these unlock the wisdom, talents, and life experience of older adults for the benefit of the broader community while also improving seniors’ well-being and sense of purpose. They also offer practical benefits for retirement communities: intergenerational activities appeal to socially engaged, younger retirees and prospective residents who value community interaction. Attracting younger, healthier residents can help communities maintain financial stability and balance the care needs across resident populations.
By encouraging social interaction across ages, intergenerational programs create a win-win situation: older adults gain companionship and renewed purpose, younger participants receive mentorship and perspective, and communities become more connected and resilient.