Intergenerational Learning

Intergenerational learning is a process, through which individuals of all ages acquire skills and knowledge, but also attitudes and values, from daily experience, from all available resources and from all influences in their own ‘life worlds

Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities, which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and may contribute to building more cohesive communities

Intergenerational learning is not a new concept. It existed for centuries, as an aspect of communication among individuals, groups and the society at large, and continues to be an important part of our life today.

While more often considered as a family–process, intergenerational learning happens also in broader social contexts, when individuals of different generations come together with the willingness of knowledge integration and learning.

Younger generations can provide knowledge to their older counterparts: for example, in using modern technological devices, such as computers or smartphones.

Stories

Big Foot Project appreciated also in Malesia

The Big Foot project presented at the Istanbul International Ageing Conference on 4th October 2013

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Trikala, Greece - Cultural and Natural Heritage, Tourism development and Intergenerational learning

Community of Trikala and Kalampaka in Greece discovered the connection between  Intergenerational Leaning and sustainable development via the Big Foot project.

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Gubbio, Italy. Intergenerational Learning, traditional cuisine, and Cultural Heritage

Gubbio, Italy tried the  intergenerational Leaning approach through the Big Foot project.

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Berkovitsa, Bulgaria: discovering surrounding Natural and Cultural Heritage through Intergenerational Learning

At Berkovitsa, representatives of both younger and older generations -  students, local associations, craftsmen, mountaineers were invited to the Consultations. The community decided to organize intergenerational activities linked with discovering the local natural and cultural heritage, and teaching the local seniors computer skills.

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Links with other thematic areas

Intergenerational relations are strongly embedded into the widely accepted concept of sustainable development, as the latter assumes intergenerational equity as one of its underlying principles.

The aging of the global population makes this issue more relevant, especially in the rural areas, where the growing generational divide leads to development and infrastructure challenges and to the loss of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge - important components of tourism development and sustainable agriculture.

As the older connoisseurs die, and the younger move away or do not find traditional practices relevant or useful any more. For the same reasons, the innovative approaches, using new media, information and communication technology, which are usually rather appreciated and promoted by the younger generations, often do not find their way to the rural mountainous communities.

Intergenerational Leaning is closely linked with Education for Sustainable Development: for example, children learning about recycling or ways to save water in schools often pass this information onto their parents and grandparents.