Overview

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the book. It begins by laying out the multi-faceted rationale for linking intergenerational engagement and sustainability concepts. The central argument is that strong intergenerational relationships are not only at the root of healthy and productive aging; they are also an important component of sustainable and livable societies. Against the backdrop of demographic changes in which the proportion of older adults in the population is growing, intergenerational programs and practices are framed as measures that help ensure the social inclusion of older adults, thereby increasing their potential for making important contributions to their families, communities, and overall society. This chapter also aims to articulate a nuanced understanding of intergenerational encounters which distinguishes between "involvement," i.e., simply participating in activities, and " engagement," which alludes to the degree to which participants invest their physical, cognitive, and emotional energies into their intergenerational encounters. This chapter also introduces a framework for bridging intergenerational research and practitioner perspectives. The intent is to create an accessible resource that can be used to inform the efforts of educators and practitioners working in a wide range of multigenerational settings, including schools, community centers, libraries, parks and recreation facilities, workplaces, and residential settings. A parallel objective is to expose those who do basic research on intergenerational relationships to insights drawn from practitioner experiences and perspectives that can be useful in ensuring that research questions and theoretical frameworks are grounded in practice.