Living Across Generations
Generations United advances housing and community solutions that bring generations together. Through research, partnerships, policy, and technical assistance, we promote approaches that help people of all ages connect, contribute, and thrive.
1 in 4 Americans lived in an multigenerational household in 2021
Where we live shapes how we connect, care for one another, and build community.
Generations United believes people of all ages thrive when they have opportunities to build meaningful relationships across generations. Living across generations can take many forms, from multigenerational households to intentional intergenerational communities that foster connection, mutual support, and belonging.
Through research, partnerships, policy, and technical assistance, Generations United is advancing housing and community solutions that create more opportunities for people of all ages to connect, contribute, and thrive together.
Why It Matters
Living across generations strengthens families and communities. It can support caregiving, improve housing affordability and economic stability, reduce social isolation and loneliness, and create opportunities for meaningful relationships across generations.
Our research on multigenerational households has informed our broader work to advance housing and community solutions that create more opportunities for people of all ages to live, connect, contribute, and thrive together.
Featured Resources
Explore Generations United’s research, guidance, recommendations, and initiatives on living across generations.
Family Matters: Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise and Here to Stay
Our landmark national study Family Matters: Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise and Here to Stay found that one in four U.S. adults lived in a multigenerational household in 2021, up from 7 percent in 2011. The report explores why more families are living together across generations and the benefits and challenges of these living arrangements.
Healthier Lives Across Generations: A Blueprint for Intergenerational Living
Healthier Lives Across Generations: A Blueprint for Intergenerational Living offers recommendations for creating intentional intergenerational communities through thoughtful design, programming, partnerships, and policy. It provides a roadmap for expanding housing and community models that bring generations together.
Intergenerational Housing Learning Network
The Intergenerational Housing Learning Network brings together leaders from across sectors to share promising practices, build partnerships, and advance housing and community solutions that foster meaningful relationships across generations.
Explore More
Learn more about how Generations United is bringing generations together through:
- Intergenerational Programs & Spaces – Creating opportunities for meaningful relationships across generations through programs, shared sites, and communities.
- Grandfamilies & Kinship Families – Supporting relatives and close family friends raising children, including advancing policies and resources that help grandfamilies access safe, stable, and affordable housing.