What's a Generation?
More often than not, challenges within a community or workplace arise from one generation not understanding or respecting another. Whether it’s disputes about team collaboration, preferred communication styles, or leadership approaches, generational differences can often act as barriers to unity.
However, generational differences can also be what makes a community stronger and more effective when embraced and understood. Let’s explore how to build and maintain an intergenerational community.
This article will examine what it means to be a generation and why each generation differs from the others.
What Defines a Generation?
Most people define a generation as a group of individuals born during a similar time period, and while this is true, it’s only part of the story. The other half of the definition lies in the culture and shared experiences of those individuals.
A generation is, in essence, a sub-culture. For example, consider two individuals born in September 1981. One is born in Auckland, New Zealand, and the other in Moscow, Russia. Despite being born at the same time, their values and perspectives will differ significantly because of the unique cultural and historical contexts they grew up in.
People in the same generation often share similar perspectives and values due to their shared timeline and culture. While everyone’s life experiences are unique, the more similar those experiences, the more likely people are to share a worldview.
Formative Events and Shared Experiences
Generational perspectives are shaped by formative events—shared experiences that occur during a person’s developmental years (roughly between ages 4 and 22). These events can range from small, localised incidents to major historical moments that resonate globally.
For instance, many who attended school in North America in the 1980s remember watching the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. Such events leave a lasting impression on those who experience them, influencing their outlook on life. Other examples include the Moon landing, 9/11, or the global COVID-19 pandemic. These shared experiences shape each generation’s characteristics, values, and preferences.
Even everyday routines, such as using a rotary phone or hearing a modem connect to the internet, can become defining generational markers. These unique experiences are often what cause misunderstandings and frustrations between generations.
Why Foster Intergenerational Communities?
If generational differences can cause discomfort, why strive for intergenerational communities? Simply put, no generation can thrive in isolation.
Each generation has unique strengths and perspectives to offer:
Older generations provide wisdom, experience, and a sense of stability.
Younger generations contribute fresh ideas, innovation, and energy.
People from different cultural backgrounds within the same age group bring additional diversity to problem-solving and creativity.
Studies consistently show that younger individuals benefit from their elders in terms of learning, resources, and identity formation. At the same time, older generations gain purpose, invigoration, and a sense of legacy through their interactions with the young.
Generational diversity fosters creativity and resilience by offering multiple perspectives on challenges. While it can introduce discomfort, such challenges often lead to growth and improvement for individuals and communities alike.
An Illustration of Generational Needs
Imagine a community made up of only one generation. There would be gaps in knowledge, resources, and support. For instance, a younger group might lack the experience needed to mentor or manage long-term planning, while an older group might struggle to adapt to new technologies or cultural shifts.
In an intergenerational community, these gaps are bridged. Generations learn from each other, share responsibilities, and create a balanced and dynamic environment. Diversity strengthens the whole.
Building a Stronger Future
No generation can stand alone. A thriving, healthy community—whether it’s a workplace, neighbourhood, or broader organisation—is one that intentionally fosters intergenerational connections.
In the next article, we’ll dive deeper into what it means to create and sustain an intergenerational community. I hope you’ll join us as we continue this journey toward unity and mutual growth.
