Together Old & Young: How should we live together?
A spotlight on the benefits of contact between the youngest and the oldest citizens in our communities.
We are living in a time when European cities are more culturally diverse than ever before. Many people, particularly those who are most
vulnerable, are struggling to achieve a sense of belonging and find a good life for themselves.
The international research project ‘Together Old and Young (TOY)’ (see box) demonstrates that social engagement between generations is a
key factor for the well-being of all. Intergenerational learning can make an important contribution to bridging the gap between different social groups in society.
We need an integrated approach to social and educational policy which doesn’t divide the learning and development needs of young children and their families from the learning needs of older adults, but rather seeks to capitalize on the potential of both groups to learn from, and with, each
other.
Why is intergenerational learning important?
- The power of intergenerational learning Intergenerational learning initiatives have the capacity to counteract the increasing lack of contact between generations and lack of social cohesion between vulnerable and culturally diverse communities.
- Public and shared spaces facilitate connectedness and understanding between generations and citizens of diverse communities. These provide opportunities to develop social networks and relationships (i.e. social capital) especially for those living in disadvantaged circumstances.
- Municipalities and Local Authorities – as responsible for policies for children and older people – need to encourage cooperation between (non-)formal and informal organizations at community level in order to foster social integration, social support and equal access to resources.
Why is this important now?
Intergenerational learning is the process whereby knowledge, skills, values and norms are transmitted between generations. It is
actually the oldest method of learning. It is informal and multi-generational and typically involves learning that takes place naturally as part of day-to-day social activity . However, demographic and social changes in Europe make it difficult to maintain this ‘traditional’ form
of learning. This does not mean that learning between young and old in informal and non-formal settings needs to disappear. In fact, current and
projected demographics, such as a growing age diversity in society, necessitate new approaches to maintain contact between
generations.
You can read the full Toy report here