Uniting Generations: Understanding Intergenerational Relationships
If you’ve ever had to explain your point of view on a current trend to someone from a different generation, you’ll know that intergenerational relationships can be complex. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of building cohesive, multigenerational communities. We’ll explore the essence of intergenerational unity and discuss why it’s essential for communities to embrace diversity across age groups. Join us as we uncover the principles that foster harmony and collaboration among generations.
This article follows the discussion, “What’s a Generation?” where we examined what defines a generation, why generations differ, and why diverse generations are necessary for communities and workplaces to thrive.
What Does It Mean to Be Intergenerational?
An intergenerational community is one composed of members from several generations who engage in positive interactions that result in interdependence and mutual benefit.
In simple terms:
There are several generations present.
They work together to accomplish shared goals and benefit from one another’s contributions.
Being intergenerational is not just about having multiple generations in the same space. That’s called being multigenerational, which doesn’t require relationships to exist between generations. For intergenerational relationships to thrive, healthy and mutually beneficial interactions must take place.
It’s not about mere presence; it’s about connection, belonging, and empowerment. An intergenerational community ensures everyone has a voice and opportunities to contribute.
Misconceptions About Intergenerational Communities
“Intergenerational Communities Focus Solely on Younger Generations”
This assumption is incorrect. Replacing the importance of one generation with another undermines the idea of intergenerational relationships. True intergenerational communities value every generation equally, recognising the unique strengths and perspectives each brings.
“All Generations Must Always Do Everything Together”
This extreme view is impractical. While shared activities are valuable, there are times when it’s beneficial for individuals of the same age group to come together. People going through similar life stages often understand each other’s experiences best. For example, retirement planning is most relevant to older adults, while younger people might focus on topics like career development. Balancing shared and age-specific activities ensures that everyone’s needs are met.
“Family Connections Are Enough to Be Intergenerational”
While connecting with family members across generations is important, true intergenerational communities extend beyond family relationships. A robust intergenerational community encourages connections with individuals outside of one’s family circle, fostering a broader sense of unity and collaboration.
Characteristics of an Intergenerational Community
Through research, five key characteristics have been identified as essential for creating an intergenerational community:
Positive Interactions
Connectedness
Interdependency
Accommodation
Empowerment
A community must embrace all five characteristics to be truly intergenerational. Some communities may excel in areas like Positive Interactions, Connectedness, and Interdependency, but fall short in Accommodation and Empowerment by not valuing the contributions or preferences of all generations equally.
A healthy intergenerational community ensures that all these elements are present and nurtured.
Why Is This Important?
Intergenerational communities provide numerous benefits. They create opportunities for learning, innovation, and mutual support. Younger generations gain wisdom and guidance, while older generations are invigorated by fresh perspectives and energy. Together, they form a dynamic and resilient community.
In our next series of articles, we’ll explore each of these characteristics in depth and discuss practical ways to foster them in your community.
I’m Dr. Joe Azzopardi, helping you unite the generations.
