Bridging Generational Gaps in Communities

What you can do to help..

Although many trends among youth originate from older adults, why is it so difficult for two generations to find a common ground of interest?

Times are changing where young and old alike must co-exist in the workplace, at home, and at school. Today, older adults continue working long after retirement, take on the role of caregiver for relatives, and continue to pursue educational goals right alongside younger individuals. Because of age differences, however, both generations feel the pressure of being understood and accepted. While it may take older adults longer to adapt to new operations and/or technologies, some youth may be intimidated by the years of expertise older adults have even if they are more physically and mentally competent.

Here are some tips for youth to enhance their intergenerational interaction skills:

• Learn the cultural traditions of older generations.
• Build meaningful relationships with older adults.
• Seek mentorship from an older individual.
• Engage in conversations about the older generation's past experiences, learning techniques, fashion and style.
• Respect the operations and ideas of the older generation.
• Attend public policy meetings to discuss community issues for effective and diverse solutions.
• Teach the proper use of new technology to older generations, such as operating computers, surfing the Internet, or using cell phones.

Tips for middle-aged and older adults that promote intergenerational interaction among youth:

• Get involved in youth mentoring programs in your community.
• Discuss and share various life topics, experiences, and new styles with grandchildren and other youth.
• Join educational study groups.
• Get involved with community service projects involving youth.
• Respect the change of operations and the ideas of the younger generation.
  

Intergenerational interaction benefits the community by:

• Eliminating common stereotypes.
• Engaging youth and older adults in volunteer services together.
• Promoting the discussion and the sharing of cultural traditions and values to tackle community issues from many perspectives.
• Enhancing social and communication skills across generations.
• Improving academic and technical learning across generations.

Extension programs that promote intergenerational activities are:

Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute
The Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute (PLYLI) is an innovative leadership and service training program for young people between the ages of 13 and 18.

Alabama Community Training in Volunteer Education
The Alabama Community Training in Volunteer Education (ACTIVE) program is a school-based program that provides youth with meaningful volunteer service opportunities that promote youth leadership and proactive community involvement.

Relatives as Parents Program
The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) offers grandparents and other relatives support, the prospect of building social networks, and the chance to learn about valuable resources that will aid them in their parenting role.

Successful Aging Initiative
The Successful Aging Initiative (SAI) is an educational program designed to address issues relevant to aging, dementia and associated health, finances, and the law.

For additional information:

PLYLI
Edna Coleman
Extension Youth Development Specialist
(256) 372-4979
E-mail: colemet@aces.edu

ACTIVE
Cynthia Whittaker
Urban Regional Extension Agent
(205) 352-5342
E-mail: whittcl@aces.edu

RAPP
Wilma Ruffin, PhD
Extension Family and Human
Development Specialist
(256) 372-4960
E-mail: ruffiwj@aces.edu

SAI
Kevin Crenshaw, JD
Extension Legal Consultant
(256) 372-4939
E-mail: khc0001@aces.edu

UNP-0017, June 2010. Edna Coleman, Extension Youth Development Specialist, and Adrienne Vaughan, Extension Graduate Assistant, Alabama A&M University.

For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.

Published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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