The Common Good: The Reciprocal Effect of Intergenerational Programs

Intergenerational programs bring seniors, young children and youth together in various programs and initiatives. Benefits to seniors include improved health, sense of worth, renewal of community participation. Benefits to the young child include increased social skills and emotional competence through the involvement and influence of an older adult. Youth benefit from the time seniors have to give and the opportunity these partnerships provide youth to contribute positively, socially with senior community members. Examples are given which are taken from a 3 year intergenerational program conducted by the author. Recommendations for intergenerational programs are provided. The author labels the phenomena that occur between the generations as the reciprocal effect and advocates the common good as the positive outcome of intergenerational programs