Does Age Really Divide?

Generation gaps can exist in the use of language, entertainment, and technology, but the flip side is that generations often care about and take an interest in one another. This intergenerational caring most often occurs in families. For example, my Mom relocated to be closer to her grandchildren. She wanted to help with babysitting and enjoy watching them develop. The interest in intergenerational interaction isn’t just for grandparents. There are a growing number of intergenerational activities proving that age does not itself divide. If people become isolated from others outside their own generation, then it is easy to forget that much can happen when people from different generations come together. Intergenerational learning programs can help young students learn to read, students of all ages learn a new language, and promote health among young and old alike. The Council of the Third Age is working to expand their intergenerational programs, and you can read about the art project between young teens and older adults here http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1206008/1/.html The past couple of decades have increased the number of colleges and universities that are connected to retirement communities. A growing number of retired volunteers are adding to the intergenerational mix. Read about Ruth: one example of such a person here http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2012/06/placemaking-kastenmayer.html Even among advocate groups in the U.S. the solidarity among generations is becoming evident. One recent example is from the organization Our Bodies Ourselves. Though a primary focus of this organization has been promoting public education about menopause, their most recent campaign aims to support information about reproductive rights and access to contraception. The name of the campaign is Our Bodies Our Votes http://ourbodiesourvotes.com/. Check out these photos at http://ourbodiesourvotes.tumblr.com/