Benefits of Intergenerational Programs

• Higher levels of interactive play 

• Improved abilities with cooperative play 

• Improved empathy 

• Greater social acceptance 

• Better vocabulary and language abilities 

• Enhanced reading and writing 

• Improved task orientation, short-term memory, problem solving, and accountability 

• Increased patience, sensitivity, compassion, respect, and empathy 

• Reduced anxiety, sadness, and stress 

• Improved mood management 

• Healthier diets and nutrition, increased physical activity, less “screen time” 

• Improved academic performance 

• Healthier family dynamics 

• Improved peer relationships 

• Decreased depressive symptoms 

• Reduced substance use 

• Reduced disordered eating 

• Enhanced reasoning, problem solving, accountability, conflict resolution 

• Decreased bullying and victimization 

• Clearer educational aspirations, occupational interests and goals 

• Improved ego integrity, self-confidence, purpose in life 

• Improved emotions and mental health 

• Enhanced physical health 

• Increased levels of collective efficacy, social capital, and social cohesion 

• Empowered to make changes in school and neighborhood 

• Higher rates of civic engagement 

• Entrepreneurial capabilities, occupational skills, and mastery 

• Expressed higher levels of self-confidence, efficacy, and self-esteem 

• Gained skills and knowledge for geriatrics and gerontology 

• Learned and taught ways to improve the environment 

• Less worried about aged parents 

• Happy about their civic engagement 

• Older volunteers brought resources and skills back home to teach grandchildren and children in neighborhood 

• Better family communication 

 • Decreased social isolation 

• Improved quality of life and purpose in life 

• Improved self-worth, self-esteem, empowerment 

• Cognitive health improvement 

• Reduced falls and frailty, increased strength, balance, and walking 

• Learned new skills, leadership proficiencies, and knowledge 

• Reduced ageism and age discrimination among young and old alike 

• Improved mental, physical, and cognitive health unique to each life stage 

• Greater sense of belonging and connection with others of different ages. 

• More acceptance of people who are different from themselves. 

• Administrators and staff report positive outcomes such as improved mental health, an increased sense of community, and gaining a sense of energy and purpose during long and hard workdays. 

• Informal caregivers receive respite when a younger person cares for their loved one and they too report joy from the experience. 

• Family caregivers also report decreased social isolation. 

• Some studies have identified an increase in neighborhood trust, social cohesion, and a sense of community. 

• Shared site intergenerational programs - settings where children, youth, and older adults participate in services and/or programs at the same time and at the same place - have shown many benefits  for staff, families, and organizations. 

• Generations also come together for physical improvements to the community such as walking trails, benches, urban parks, green spaces, clearer signage, reduced litter, and recycling options.