Intergenerational Programs & Spaces
Generations United is a strong voice supporting the development and expansion of intergenerational programs that bring children, youth, and older adults together. We recognize excellence, equip the field with trusted resources, and champion intergenerational programs by making the case for their impact in communities across the country and around the world.
New to Intergenerational Programs?
Watch this short animated introduction to discover the power of bringing generations together.
What Are Intergenerational Programs?
Intergenerational programs increase cooperation, interaction, and exchange between people of different generations, allowing them to share their talents and resources and support each other in relationships that benefit both individuals and their community.
Our Areas of Focus
We work to support and encourage the development of intergenerational programs and spaces that create opportunities for meaningful relationships across generations. Two key areas of our work are intergenerational shared sites and intentional intergenerational living.
Intergenerational Shared Sites
Intergenerational shared sites are settings where children, youth, and older adults participate in services or programs concurrently at the same site or on the same campus. Participants engage in regular, planned intergenerational activities, as well as informal encounters that foster meaningful relationships across generations.
These settings are known by a variety of names, including intergenerational spaces, intergenerational centers, and intergenerational care/day care. Regardless of the terminology, they intentionally bring generations together through shared experiences and ongoing interaction.
Learn more through Sharing Our Space, our online toolkit, the Shared Site Learning Network, and our collection of shared site resources.
Intentional Intergenerational Living
Intentional intergenerational living creates opportunities for people of all ages to build meaningful relationships through thoughtfully designed housing and communities.
To explore Generations United’s housing and community work, including Healthier Lives Across Generations: A Blueprint for Intergenerational Living and the Intergenerational Housing Learning Network, visit our Living Across Generations page.
Intergenerational Program Certification
Generations United annually recognizes outstanding intergenerational programs through our Intergenerational Program Certification.
Training & Technical Assistance
Generations United supports the field through training, toolkits and guides, webinars, conferences, networking opportunities, and other trusted resources that help organizations develop and strengthen intergenerational programs.
Every other year, we host uur signature event, the Global Conference, the largest gathering of intergenerational and kinship champions in the world.
Looking for more tailored support? Our team also provides customized training and technical assistance to help organizations launch, expand, and strengthen intergenerational programs.
Get Started
Whether you’re starting a new program or strengthening an existing one, our Intergenerational Program Roadmap can help you navigate common questions about intergenerational programs and connect with practical resources. You can also explore our recent resources and trainings below.
Looking for a specific program type or one in your area? Visit the Intergenerational Program Database, the nation’s largest directory of intergenerational programs, featuring more than 800 programs across the United States.