How Intergenerational Connections Shape Us

three generation family portrait

by Christina Peoples for American Society on Aging

“We’re getting older, and it’s time for the younger people to step up,” elders in my family often say when we gather. While it’s said with love, it also sheds light on the reality of our family dynamics and invites younger generations to take on family roles and learn from those who came before us. Aging comes with change. As my family has grown and faced significant changes, including loss and health challenges, we’ve come to see the importance of passing the torch. It’s not that our elders no longer contribute; rather, we’re learning from them while carrying forward their legacies.

Intergenerational connections show that everyone can make a meaningful contribution and that each person brings a fresh perspective.

Three Benefits of Intergenerational Connections

  • Shared Wisdom
  • Sense of Belonging
  • Mutual Growth and Empowerment

As Nic Westrate, PhD, noted, “Creating spaces for multigenerational connection is particularly important in marginalized communities because passing down wisdom can help people navigate life at the margins of society.” In Black communities, the insights and guidance from elders serve not just as a source of personal growth but as tools for resilience and strength. Through shared stories and hard-earned lessons, younger generations gain a roadmap for moving forward in a world that may not always feel welcoming.

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