By Healthy Brain Ageing PhD Candidate Chelsea Hennessy

As we age, we build our recipe for life; a priceless and unique collection of stories, experiences, skills and wisdom. 

It takes years to create, and is made possible only by living through life’s ups and downs. 

But our wealth of experiences aren’t just ingredients for nostalgia; like any good recipe, it's best shared with others. 

Intergenerational programs bring these experiences to the table, connecting older and younger people through meaningful activities like sharing a story over a cuppa, a bake-off with a loved one, or lending a hand at a local school.  

These shared moments don’t just feed connection; they also strengthen physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing, helping to combat the risks of ageing and isolation. 

Benefits of intergenerational connection 

Australian research continues to show that when generations come together, everyone benefits.  

In addition to wisdom and skills, older adults possess generativity – the inherent desire to nurture and guide younger people – which is greatly enhanced by intergenerational engagement.  

For older adults, intergenerational activities are thought to contribute towards wellbeing improvements, including:  

• Increased physical activity and function with reduced frailty risk, 
• Improved cognition and mental stimulation 
• Reduced loneliness and isolation 
• Improved mood by decreasing anxiety and depressive symptoms 
• Enhanced purpose, meaning, self-worth, and quality of life 
• Increased social engagement, community integration, and meaningful relationships  

The rewards experienced by young people can include:  

• Improved attitudes towards ageing 
• Increased empathy, coping, and prosocial behaviour 
• Enhanced social skills, vocabulary, and language 
• Stimulated cognitive development 
• Improved cultural and historical appreciation 

A national focus on intergenerational programs 

Intergenerational programs bring young and older people together in purposeful, ongoing and reciprocal activities. They aim to foster mutual respect and build stronger, more cohesive integrated communities.  

A Melbourne-based study found that children participating in regular intergenerational visits enjoyed singing songs, making friends, and learning about older adults’ life stories.  

These interactions helped foster empathy, kindness, and social confidence in children. For older adults, the joy of consistent connection reduced feelings of loneliness and enhanced overall wellbeing.  

Intergenerational programs have grown in popularity in Australia. This public recognition of health and social benefits can be linked, in part, to ABC documentary series Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and Old People’s Home for Teenagers.  

The series led to real-world impact, including the Theircare: Generations Connections program, which will support the first empirical study of intergenerational programs in Australian afterschool care services.  

Some communities are even designing purpose-built environments with intergenerational connection in mind. An example is the Adelaide intergenerational village where an early learning centre is located within a retirement facility. 

How communities can foster intergenerational connections 

Every great recipe needs the right ingredients, so, how can we bring these intergenerational programs from the page to the real world? 

Find the right location: intergenerational interactions can flourish almost anywhere. Local community centres, schools, libraries and local parks are great places to bring people of different ages together.  

Make it real, not scripted: not every moment has to be planned; they can grow naturally. Planned activities can be a great starting point, but the key is allowing generations to mix, share and learn from one another authentically.  

Meet in the middle: Ensure each person has something to give and something to gain e.g. older adults sharing their experience, and younger people bringing their energy and curiosity. Embrace your generativity in the role of mentor with your natural wisdom, emotional stability, and communication skills to champion younger generations. 

Consider mixing up activities: to reap the full benefits of intergenerational connections, create a mix of movement (eg dancing or gardening), mind (eg wisdom and knowledge-sharing) and mood (eg companionship and collaboration). Foster cooperation, play and interactions through creative, hands-on activities to promote physical, cognitive, and social capabilities for all ages.   

Make it regular: Intergenerational relationships thrive with regular commitment. Roughly an hour each week is enough to experience benefits. 

For tips on how to form long-term habits, such as regular connection, read ‘What neuroscience tells us about how to create healthy habits that stick’. Our research suggests that, while establishing a new habit might take additional effort at first, people over the age of 60 years are best placed to maintain these behaviours. 

Tips for us all to build more connection 

To set yourself up for success choose activities that feed your curiosity, purpose or joy. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Chatting while tending to a community garden 
• Performing, singing, or musical activities  
• Reading circles or book clubs 
• Cooking workshops and shared meals 
• Tech-help sessions 
• Arts, crafts, and photography 
• Storytelling and reminiscence 
• Mentoring, tutoring, and knowledge-exchange 
• Puzzles and card/board games 
• Show and tell  
• Hands-on maintenance and repair 
• Cooperative games and play or sporting/leisure games 

Fostering connections across generations isn’t just about bridging age gaps, it’s about creating communities where everyone has a place at the table.  

When we blend evidence-based programs with genuine opportunities for everyday connection, we create environments where all generations can thrive.  

These shared spaces don’t just reduce isolation; they nurture empathy, purpose, and belonging - the key ingredients for healthier, more connected lives!  

Learn more 

Learn more about intergenerational relationships or get involved through the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice or Playgroups Australia.   

Read more about the Thompson Institute's Healthy Brain Ageing research.