FACT SHEET: INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS BENEFIT PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

Intergenerational programs purposefully bring generations together to enhance participants' lives and help address critical social and community issues, while capitalizing on the positive resources that young and old have to support each other and their communities.

WHO GETS BENEFITS? EVERYONE.
According to research, there are numerous advantages for everyone involved.
• Increased levels of playtime 
• Improved skills with cooperative play 
• Increased empathy 
• Higher social acceptance 
• Improved vocabulary and language skills

CHILDREN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• Improved reading and writing 
• Improved task orientation, short attention span, problem-solving, and accountability 
• Enhanced endurance, sensitivity, compassion, respect, & empathy 
• Reduced anxiety, sadness, and stress 
• Improved mood management

CHILDREN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Better academic performance 
• Improved family dynamics
• Better peer relations 
• Decreased symptoms of depression 
• Decreased substance use 
• Decreased disordered eating 
• Improved reasoning, problem-solving skills, accountability, and conflict resolution 
• Decreased bullying behavior

STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOLS

• Increased ego integrity, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose in life 
• Improved emotions & mental health 
• Enhanced physical health 
• Elevated levels of team effectiveness, social capital, and social cohesion

YOUNG ADULTS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS 
• Increased rates of civic engagement 
• Entrepreneurial mindset, occupational skills, & mastery 
• Expressed a high degree of self, efficacy, and self-esteem 
• Ways to enhance the environment were discovered and taught.

ADULT CHILDREN AND PARENTS

• Less concerned about aging parents 
• Content with their civic engagement 
• Older volunteers returned home with resources and skills to teach grandkids and children in the neighborhood
• Improved family communication

ADULTS OVER THE AGE OF 65

• Reduced social isolation 
• Improved living standards and purpose in life 
• Increased self-worth, self-esteem, and empowerment
• Lessening of falls as well as frailty, increase in strength, balance, & walking

ALL AGE GROUPS

• Less ageism & age discrimination between young and old alike
• Achieved more significant mental, physical, & cognitive health specific to each life stage 
• A greater feeling of belonging as well as connect with individuals of various ages.
• Greater tolerance for individuals who are different from them.

Intergenerational programs are meaningful, essential, and enjoyable, and they are growing in popularity in the United States and around the world. If you've been to one or seen one in action, you'll remember a lot of energy, enthusiasm, & innovation. We hope you will utilize this resource to assist and support making the case for intergenerational relationship strategies in your neighborhood. We can work together to create a world that appreciates & engages all generations of people.