Today, June 1st, marks Intergenerational Day across Canada—a day that celebrates the rich connections between different generations and recognizes how these relationships strengthen our communities. For families like ours, who are always thinking about the future and building networks of support, this day holds special meaning.
Many of us are already working toward increasing intergenerational practice in our daily lives and within our communities. If you’re looking to explore this further, there’s a wonderful resource at intergenerational.ca that offers valuable insights into bringing generations together in meaningful ways.
Why Intergenerational Connections Matter for Our Families
As families who have loved ones with disabilities, we understand better than most the importance of community connections that span across age groups. We know that our loved ones thrive when they have relationships with people of all ages—from young children who see them without judgment, to older adults who appreciate their unique perspectives and contributions.
Intergenerational initiatives create natural opportunities for these meaningful relationships to develop. They help foster understanding, respect, and empathy while allowing people to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences across generations. For our adult children, these connections can be particularly valuable, offering chances to both learn from others and share their own wisdom and insights.
The Benefits We All Need
The potential benefits of intergenerational practice align closely with what we hope for our families and communities. These programs can enhance mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being—outcomes we’re always seeking for our loved ones. They provide opportunities for people to experience competence, autonomy, and meaningful relationships, which are fundamental human needs regardless of ability.
Perhaps most importantly, intergenerational programs create spaces where everyone’s gifts are celebrated. We all have so much to offer—patience, joy, unique perspectives, and genuine connections—and intergenerational settings naturally recognize and value these contributions.
Breaking Down Barriers We Know Too Well
We’re familiar with the barriers and stereotypes that can isolate our loved ones from broader community life. Intergenerational practice actively works to break down these divides, promoting more inclusive, age-friendly communities where people of all abilities and ages feel welcomed and valued.
When different generations come together in structured, supportive environments, assumptions fade and authentic relationships grow. Young people learn to see beyond disability to the person, while older adults often become natural mentors and advocates. These connections can extend far beyond formal programs, creating lasting bonds that enrich everyone involved.
Practical Steps Forward
For those ready to explore intergenerational programming, there’s an excellent Planning Guide that offers frameworks similar to the thoughtful planning many of us already do for family networks and support circles. This resource provides concrete steps for creating successful programs that truly include everyone.
Building the Future We Want
As we recognize Intergenerational Day, we can reflect on how these principles align with the inclusive communities we’re working to build. Whether through formal programs or everyday opportunities to connect across generations, we have the power to create environments where our adult children are valued contributors to intergenerational relationships.
The beauty of this work is that it benefits everyone involved. Our loved ones gain meaningful connections and opportunities to contribute, while other generations discover the joy, wisdom, and fresh perspectives that come from truly inclusive relationships. Together, we build communities that are stronger, more connected, and more welcoming for all families—now and for the future we’re planning for our families.