Intergenerational Strategies in Policy
Intergenerational means that people of all ages are equal partners
in building community where all generations thrive and each
person’s needs, talents and strengths are valued, respected
and engaged. We believe that one of the most effective ways
to address the challenges of our rural communities is to address
the age segregation that has occurred due in part to increased
migration of the younger work force, divorce, workplace demands
and fear of violence.
Age segregation perpetuates myths about each age group and
on a policy level, contributes to the notion that the young
and old are in competition for limited community resources.
This fuels the political tensions between advocates of each
respective interest group.
Public policy should meet the needs of all generations and
should recognize that resources are more wisely used when the
generations are connected rather than separated. Young and old
are not at different ends of the policy spectrum. On the contrary,
their needs and concerns are quite similar in terms of affordable
and quality day care, housing, transportation and health care.
When we look at policies and program or action plans,
we ask:
- Do they encourage intergenerational transfers through shared
care or services?
- Are people of all ages viewed as a resource?
- Do they promote interdependence of generations?
Generational interdependence is the giving and receiving of
resources over time and is crucial to promoting social progress.
In community programming, intergenerational collaboration is
effective because it draws on the natural strengths of children,
youth, and older adults to help meet many of the needs within
their home community. Young and old can come together to staff
community food banks, create public art, build community gardens
and monitor water quality.
The Declaration of Generational
Interdependence
Policy Principles
for Intergenerational Community Family Support
