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FAQ
Intergenerational
Relations
What is an intergenerational program?
Why is EPA interested in promoting intergenerational
programs?
Are there any examples of intergenerational programs?
How can individuals get involved in intergenerational
environmental projects in their communities?
Is there EPA funding available for developing model
intergenerational programs or undertaking any intergenerational projects?
What is an intergenerational program?
An intergenerational program is one that brings together individuals of different ages as partners to explore, study, and work towards a shared goal. These programs can be youth serving older adults, older adults serving youth, or youth and older adults serving together. Some examples of intergenerational programs are: youth visiting seniors or providing chore service; older adults mentoring youth or providing childcare; and children, youth and older adults performing in a community theater group or working to improve the natural environment.
Why is EPA interested in promoting intergenerational programs?
The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and safeguard the environment. As part of the Agency’s Aging Initiative, the EPA encourages older persons to volunteer in their own communities to reduce hazards and protect the environment. Including an intergenerational component in a project or activity is an effective way to broaden the pool of people working towards this objective while promoting understanding and unity between generations.
This rationale is at the root of these intergenerational environmental education programs. A variety of promising strategies exist for bringing people if all ages together.
Are there any examples of intergenerational programs?
Yes, there are examples innovative intergenerational environmental education programs. The following table has profiles of seven innovative intergenerational environmental education programs. Reviewing these initiatives may help you to appreciate the diversity that exists in terms of approaches, organizational frameworks, and settings. You can find more information on these by selecting Examples of Intergenerational Programs.
| Name of program | Prominent focus of activities | Generations Involved | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Intergenerational Outdoor School | Natural environment and wildlife/natural history/civic development | Older adults and 4th-6th grades | Central Pennsylvania | |
| 2) Family Friends Environmental Health | Environmental Health | Older adults and up to 12 years of age | Pennsylvania | For children with special needs |
| 3) Intergenerational Citizens Action Forum | Civic development | Older adults and high school ages | Miami, Florida | |
| 4) Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP) | Environmental community service and learning program | Older adults and all ages but primarily seniors and middle school aged children | Belmont, Massachusetts | Location enhances urban/suburban involvement |
| 5) Garden Mosaics | Plants and planting practices of age | Older adults and ages 10-18 years | National/International | Youth learn from elders in community, home, and school garden settings |
| 6) Intergenerational Learning | Environmental concerns and care of land | Older adults and 7th grade | InternationalVancouver, B.C. | Utilize retired farmers |
| 7) Senior Environmental Corps/Environmental Alliance of Senior Involvement | Streamside monitoring and restoration | Older adults and children/youth of all ages | National/International |
How can individuals get involved in intergenerational environmental projects in their communities?
There are several ways to get involved in environmentally focused intergenerational projects. For example, the Corporation for National and Community Service has a web-based recruitment system that helps to link older persons with volunteer activities in their communities. You can also learn about opportunities by contacting the other organizations listed under Intergenerational Resources. Serving in your community could start with a phone call to your senior or community center, conservation or watershed group, or local area aging association.
Is EPA working with any national organizations?
The EPA is working in partnership with a number of national organizations representing older Americans, professionals in the field of aging, health and aging research, and local community service providers to craft the National Agenda for the Environment and the Aging. We have listed the names of many of these organizations under Non-Governmental Organizations at our Information Sources website.