Community Building

There is a growing movement in the United States and around the world to make neighborhoods, cities, and communities better for the increasing aging population. Whether these initiatives are called livable communities, age-friendly cities, or aging-in-place, this important work is opening the door to explore how including people of all ages, specifically young people, can net greater returns.

Too often older and younger people are marginalized and left on the sidelines. Their voices are not included in discussions around community life. By 2040, older adults, children and youth combined will make up over 40% of the U.S. population. It is not a stretch to say that America’s younger and older people are one of our greatest assets. And it makes sense to capitalize these assets. Communities that engage all ages are doing just that. It is not enough to say that communities that are good to grow old in are also good to grow up in. There must be intentional efforts to build connections between the generations.

The intergenerational nature of a community is reflected in the families, facilities, structures, services, policies, and regulations that children, youth, and older adults encounter in the community as well as in day-to-day interactions and relationships. Partnerships between local government, older adult living facilities, schools, colleges and universities, multi-service organizations, businesses, cultural and community organizations, and community members of all ages are essential for successful intergenerational communities.

Best Intergenerational Community Awards

The Generations United/MetLife Foundation Best Intergenerational Communities Awards program is the United States’ only recognition program exclusively focused on communities that are embracing intergenerational solutions to serve, empower, and engage residents of all ages.