The Value of IGPs

 

Social connections between elders and youth are no longer a natural occurrence in today's North American society. For various reasons, there is less natural opportunity to live in a close-knit community where wisdom is shared between generations. In both our families and our communities, we need to redefine the roles and responsibilites of people at each stage of life and create ways to strengthen the ties that bind us.

 

LINKages program logic model

Community Need:
A Societal Shift Toward Increased Segregation of Generations

As the aging population continues to rise in the next decade, age segregation and isolation are expected to increase between older and younger generations. Young people may experience reduced interaction with seniors for a variety of reasons, such as dispersed extended families, homogeneous neighbourhoods, and rising segregation as seniors start to reside more in retirement residences and lodges.

 

Age segregation can create unhealthy social isolation for older adults and prevent youth from hearing elders' wisdom and understanding the full cycle of life.

LINKages’ Solution:
Intergenerational Programming - Connecting Young People and Seniors

Research consistently shows young people grow up healthier when they have relationships outside their family context that provide extra attention, guidance and support. Similar research hows older people working with children and youth feel connected, valued and invested in the future.

 

In 1994, LINKages recognized the value of creating caring partnerships between youth and seniors. More recently, we have made a concerted effort to understand the emerging field of intergenerational studies – and the concept that purposeful connections, mutually-beneficial activities and the exchange of knowledge are critical to the development of successful intergenerational programs and practices (IGPs).

 

In 2005, LINKages initiated a study in collaboration with The City of Calgary and The Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary to conduct an environmental analysis of intergenerational programming in Calgary – the conclusion reached from this research is the foundation for LINKages’ IGPs:

 

Intergenerational programs can contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, for example, by facilitating mutually beneficial relationships; volunteering and community building; increasing social cohesion; integration and collaboration; and strengthening family relationships (p. iv).[1]

 

Building a house is a great way to get to know someone

LINKages’ Intergenerational Expertise

1. Local Partners – meeting with IGP providers in Alberta to share ideas, resources and solutions for successful intergenerational programming




2. International Partners – exchanging knowledge with national/international practitioners to share best practices for intergenerational programs




3. IGP Studies – working with the University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work Intergenerational Programs in Calgary: Literature Review and Environmental Scan (Prepared for the City of Calgary Community & Neighbourhood Services and LINKages; Funded by Calgary Family & Community Support Services)




4. IGP Research – conducting research on best practices and showcasing resource materials to promote the value of intergenerational programming. A compilation of some of the research available can be found on the Research page

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[1]Ayala, J. PhD & Dr. J. Hewson. Intergenerational Programs in Calgary: Literature Review and Environmental Scan (2005). University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work. Calgary.