Intergenerational Communities as Healthy Places for Meaningful Engagement and Interaction

Abstract

Shifting demographics, along with changing family structures and household dynamics worldwide, make it increasingly important to reflect on successful practices that provide opportunities for interaction, engagement, and support across more than two generations. This chapter, therefore, explores three key areas of research: (1) elder-friendly communities, (2) child-friendly communities, and (3) healthy communities, to identify how they align and intersect to form foundations for intergenerational approaches. Instead of a limited view that focuses on the amelioration of age-specific problems, research prioritizes shared principles that promote the development of intergenerational community assets. In addition, there is encouraging evidence suggesting the allocation of policy resources – financial, physical, human – is not necessarily a zero-sum game because intergenerational approaches can produce synergistic outcomes. The chapter concludes with recommendations for additional research.