Reasoning & Evidence
Research across sectors has highlighted the value of intergenerational exchange in addressing social isolation, loneliness, and connection. The National Council on Aging defines intergenerational programming as “activities or programs that increase cooperation, interaction, or exchange between any two generations.”(120) These meaningful, shared experiences have been associated with strengthened social connection by reducing age-based stereotypes, fostering empathy and mutual understanding, and strengthening bonds between generations.(121–123) Across several studies, these interactions are associated with reduced loneliness, increased sense of belonging and purpose, and stronger social cohesion.(75) Research indicates that shared creative practices provide a relational context for dialogue, empathy, and perspective-taking.(11,19,123) Creative expression extends opportunities for connection beyond verbal communication – by helping bridge differences through expression of emotion, identity, lived experience, and power dynamics in ways that words sometimes cannot. Participatory arts environments can create psychologically safe and inclusive spaces where individuals engage as collaborators rather than age-defined or other social roles.(124) Music-based exchange may help bridge generational divides by enabling a reciprocal exchange of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and perspective. Through shared rhythm and collaborative participation, these interactions strengthen emotional connection, improve attitudes between groups, and increase social engagement.(122) Similarly, intergenerational dance initiatives suggest that shared movement activities foster social bonding and mutual understanding while supporting broader physical, social, and emotional well-being across age groups.(125–127)
Storytelling and collaborative art-making programs show similar outcomes. Evaluations of intergenerational art and storytelling initiatives pairing older adults with medical students found that shared narrative and creative expression strengthened empathy, improved attitudes toward aging, and fostered meaningful relational connection across generations.(123) Another study exploring a five-week intergenerational arts and heritage intervention found significant reductions in loneliness across age groups, along with stronger relational bonds and an increased sense of community support through guided storytelling, museum engagement, and collaborative art-making.(75) Intergenerational exchange can also be facilitated through remote and hybrid participation. Programs developed during periods of crisis (e.g., public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic) demonstrated that virtual creative interaction, enabling shared meaning-making and co-creation, can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, strengthen group cohesion and sense of belonging, and foster shared purpose.(93) Digital participation also expands access for individuals with mobility, transportation, or geographic barriers. However, research suggests that virtual engagement works best when combined with in-person interaction, rather than replacing it, as face-to-face contact contributes to relational depth, trust, and social bonding.(93)
Beyond creative practices, everyday recreational activities also provide powerful opportunities for intergenerational connection. Engaging in activities such as walking, games, or sports supports social connectedness and sense of purpose, while shared physical activity strengthens relationships, supports social-emotional development, and helps older adults remain socially engaged and feel valued within their community.(94,128)
Examples of Community Implementation
USA: StoryCorps facilitates intergenerational exchange by inviting people of different ages to record and share personal stories through guided conversations. Programs such as StoryCorps in schools and community recording events often pair students with older adults to document life experiences, family histories, and community memories.
International: Magic Me, based in the United Kingdom, facilitates collaborative art experiences that include storytelling, visual arts, and performance, bringing young people and older adults together. Programs are integrated into schools, care homes, and community art spaces where participants work together to create art that communicates personal histories, cultural traditions, and lived experience.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: Arts, Culture, and Leisure Sectors