Intergenerational Efforts

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Young and old hands picking up sprouts in dirt Intergenerational events and activities offer people of different ages the opportunity to come together and share their talents, experiences, knowledge and skills. Such efforts can provide benefits to all involved and foster life-enhancing growth, understanding and friendship.

In the past two decades, intergenerational efforts have grown county-wide through partnerships between government agencies, businesses and community-based organizations, serving thousands across the generations through innovative projects. Youth and older adults continue to play unique roles in helping to make our community healthy, safe and thriving for all ages.

For questions about intergenerational efforts, please email Pam.Plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Use the buttons below to learn more about intergenerational programs and events in San Diego County.

Councils

Intergenerational Councils are unique coalitions of public and private community partners that are committed to creating communities that value and engage all generations.

The Intergenerational Councils serve as an avenue for connection and collaboration that highlight, support and enhance intergenerational efforts by making the most of collective talents and experiences. Activities can include regular meetings featuring informational presentations, trainings, opportunities for networking and resource sharing, and the creation of an e-mail communication list.

If creating an Intergenerational Council in your community is of interest, please contact Pam.Plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov.

IG Games

Intergenerational Games bring all ages together to encourage physical activity, impart information about nutrition and healthy behaviors, and foster intergenerational relationships among seniors and children through an inspiring half day of fun and fitness.

The Intergenerational Games were created as an innovative approach to address health and social issues in the community, such as the alarming rate of overweight youth and the high rate of seniors diagnosed with diabetes and heart disease.

Active older adults serve as role models for youth and help to dispel stereotypes regarding the abilities of older adults. The event helps participants develop respect for the strengths, abilities, and challenges of each generation. Intergenerational Games have taken place in various communities around the county.

For information about participating in or hosting Intergenerational Games, please contact Pam.Plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Resources

Are you interested in incorporating intergenerational efforts into the work you do but aren’t sure where to start? This Intergenerational Program Planner, developed by Dr. Nancy Henkin, an expert in the field, can help you and your organization formulate plans, assess readiness, identify possible partners, and develop strategies to make your ideas a reality.

To assess the need for intergenerational connection within your community, these two questionnaires – one designed for older adults and the other for young adults/youth - can be helpful tools. They not only help gauge the level of interest in connecting with different generations, but also identify specific, desired intergenerational activities. Feel free to add your organization’s logo, edit these tools as needed, and distribute them to clients and other members of your community as you plan your intergenerational efforts.

211 San Diego - Grandparents and Caregivers

CoGenerate

Generations United

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships

Penn State Intergenerational Program

Vital Aging Network

Programs Directory

Intergenerational programs offer people of different ages the opportunity to come together and share their talents, experiences, knowledge, and skills. Such programs can provide benefits to all involved and foster life-enhancing growth, understanding, and friendship.

With a belief that older adults are one of San Diego County's most valuable resources, the County of San Diego embraced county-wide development of intergenerational efforts in 2002. Since that time, the County has partnered with multiple community-based organizations and provided funding to create projects that have served thousands of youth and older adults.

The Intergenerational Programs Directory was developed to serve as a resource for intergenerational initiatives in San Diego County. The directory includes a summary of each program, along with its goals, objectives, outcomes, funding sources, and contact information. The directory is designed to be useful both to those wishing to participate in existing projects as well as to those wanting to create new ones.

Download the Directory

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Intergenerational Efforts