Bridging generations: how intergenerational practice strengthens communities

What is intergenerational practice?

Intergenerational practice (IGP) refers to structured activities or programs that bring people of different generations together for their mutual benefit. It allows people from different generations to exchange knowledge, skills and experiences with an emphasis on reciprocity. Each participant brings something valuable to give and gains something valuable in return.

In contemporary Australia, generations often live close by – yet they may rarely connect, if at all. IGP creates meaningful and practical opportunities for people of all ages to learn from, support and understand one another.

Applicable everywhere from schools and aged care homes to community hubs and workplaces, the approach develops respect, reduces isolation and strengthens communities. For older people, it can also decrease risks such as elder neglect and marginalisation.

Sharing cultural heritage: Elena’s story

Elena, 72, lives in a Sydney suburb. The local community centre runs a weekly intergenerational storytelling group, and Elena shares stories from her childhood and cultural heritage with primary school children. While she felt shy about participating at first, the children’s interest in things like her grandmother’s kitchen garden in Greece helped her confidence grow. Now Elena says she feels less lonely, more valued and more mentally active. The children are gaining more understanding of older adults as people with their own lives and experiences.

Why intergenerational practice matters

Many older adults experience loneliness or feel invisible in their communities. At the same time, younger people often struggle to find meaningful connections with mentors or role models outside their immediate circles. This growing disconnect has social, emotional and economic costs.

Intergenerational practice intentionally creates opportunities for mutual learning, understanding, and support. The benefits extend well beyond the individuals involved:

• Respect and understanding: IGP breaks down stereotypes and fosters empathy. This builds communities that value people at every stage of life, which can counter ageism, elder abuse and elder marginalisation.

• Social protection: Stronger ties mean communities that are better able to notice and respond to the needs of older adults, reducing vulnerability and neglect.

• Better mental health: Social interaction combats isolation and improves wellbeing, particularly for older people who may otherwise feel isolated.

• Youth development: Young people gain valuable skills – communication, leadership and emotional intelligence – that prepare them for adulthood.

• Stronger communities: Shared projects and experiences create a sense of purpose and belonging and support social cohesion.

Intergenerational programs deliver lasting impact and are essential for creating resilient, compassionate and inclusive communities. Participants often report feeling more confident, connected, and hopeful about the future.[i]

What does intergenerational practice look like?

Intergenerational practice can be implemented in many ways and environments.

• In community settings, IGP might involve a neighbourhood garden where children and older adults plant and harvest together, learning from each other’s skills and stories. It might be a local hub where young people help their older neighbours with simple technology problems, such as setting up a new phone, while in return the older person might show them how to cook an old family recipe.

• In schools, older people might visit to read with, tutor or mentor students, while the young people teach the older people about new technology or share their creative projects. A young person’s vitality and curiosity can be a source of joy for an older person. Some schools even share facilities with aged care homes, so that daily interactions between younger and older people become part of ordinary life.

• In residential aged care facilities, young people might visit to participate in intergenerational playgroups, virtual reality programs, story time, music and art activities or celebrations with older residents. More than just ‘visits’, these meaningful interactions can help older residents feel valued as they are able to share stories, experiences and traditions.

• In workplaces, IGP can take the form of mentoring, with older professionals sharing their broad experience to guide younger colleagues or younger staff helping older colleagues navigate digital tools or contemporary trends.

• In the arts and media, IGP can happen when older adults share histories or cultural heritage that younger people transform into films, plays, podcasts or art exhibitions.

In the garden: Jake and Stephen’s story

Jake is 9 and likes to visit his local community garden, where older citizens such as Stephen (68) teach children gardening skills. Along the way, many stories are swapped about school and life as a young boy. Jake admires Stephen’s patience and seemingly endless knowledge, and he’s very proud when ‘his’ plants grow. Stephen loves to see his gardening skills being passed on, but he’s also reminded of his own curiosity and hope for the future. He looks forward to each session as much as Jake does.

Getting started with intergenerational practice

Getting started with IGP doesn’t have to be big or complicated. It begins with a simple intention: to bring people together. Maybe you want to reduce loneliness, create more learning opportunities or build a stronger sense of community.

Next, look around. Many communities have schools, childcare centres, aged care homes, libraries and community hubs, but often they have little interaction. A simple conversation could start a collaboration.

Then, explore ideas. A shared story time, a cooking activity, a tech-help afternoon or a community garden project can spark connections that grow into something bigger. The most important thing is reciprocity – both young and old participants should feel they are receiving as well as giving.

Finally, turn to resources and networks like the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP). And with each activity, take time to reflect, learn, and adapt so your program keeps evolving in ways that truly work for participants.

Resources

If you are interested in getting started with IGP, there are lots of resources, networks and programs you can turn to, many of them free. Some examples are:

• the AIIP's website

• AIIP events and news

• AIIP professional development and education

• short videos

• free resources directory

• Intergenerational Learning Australia programs

• Big Little Buddies intergenerational music programs

• Heart & Soul Story

The Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice

The AIIP is a not-for-profit, for-purpose organisation dedicated to bringing generations together and making intergenerational connections part of everyday life in Australia. AIIP has seen firsthand the transformative power of these connections for individuals, families, communities and the workforce.

As the national peak body, AIIP’s work bridges research and real-world practice to develop programs that are evidence-based, sustainable and impactful. The institute provides practical tools, like step-by-step guides and templates, and creates spaces for learning and collaboration through symposiums, workshops and webinars. In 2025, AIIP launched the Australian Intergenerational Minimum Standards, which sets clear benchmarks for quality programs that promote learning between generations, reduce ageism and build social cohesion.

AIIP supports initiatives such as the ABC TV series Old people’s home for 4 year olds and Old people’s home for teenagers. The institute has delivered the Joining Old and Young (JOY) professional development program to more than 260[AF5]  people and leads Australia’s involvement in Global Intergenerational Week.