Children and older adults thrive in intergenerational programs where they can learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to shared community goals. Intergenerational programs intentionally unite the generations in ways that enrich participants’ lives and help address vital social and community issues while building on the positive resources that young and old have to offer each other and to their communities.
Public policy plays a key role in expanding intergenerational opportunities. This resource offers a concise overview of how federal, state, and local policy efforts can strengthen intergenerational programming. It highlights legislation, partnerships, and advocacy strategies that expand access, improve sustainability, and elevate the value of intergenerational programming.
Intergenerational policy advocacy transforms innovative programs into lasting infrastructure. It secures funding, removes regulatory barriers, and embeds intergenerational approaches into housing, education, health, and community development systems. By understanding how these policy examples take shape, practitioners and advocates can better champion the conditions that allow intergenerational programs to grow, endure, and connect people across the lifespan.