Research shows that lifelong communities are good for people from 8 to 80. We all need social and recreational opportunities, want safe and affordable transportation and housing options to meet our changing needs. We all want opportunities to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities through paid work and volunteer opportunities. Part of living in a community is age-integration. People of all ages make your community a great place to grow up and to grow old.
One of the many advantages of an aging population is that older people are available to volunteer at schools, libraries, parks and recreations departments. Older residents of your community are probably already an essential part of childcare and the provision of child-oriented programs, civic engagement, community economic development and family financial health.
Intergenerational relationships help us feel connected to each other and to the natural flow of life. Many older adults find fulfillment in sharing what they have learned with the younger people in the community. When older people share their life experience with younger people and young people share their enthusiasm and energy, all generations win. Children understand the world in a different way; older adults have a sense of purpose.
These are a few examples of intergenerational planning and programming from across northern New England.
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Franklin, NH has embraced the idea of a community for all ages with its tagline Franklin for a Lifetime.
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The New Hampshire Veterans homes are leading the way with intergenerational programming – pairing junior and senior high students with vets.
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Easter Seals in Manchester, NH provides medical and social adult day care and inclusive child care in the same facility on Auburn Street. The result? Intergenerational opportunities for caring and connection.
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Newport, Vermont has developed a community garden that brings the generations together. Watch a video about the “adopt a grandparent program” that is an essential part of the project.
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Vermont’s Kin as Parents provides information and supports for multi-generational families.
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Clover Preschool in Auburn, Maine is an intergenerational preschool located in Clover Healthcare.
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The Cedars Skilled Care Nursing Facility is home to Opening Minds through Art (OMA), an intergenerational arts program for people diagnosed with a disease that causes dementia.