Strengthening the Ties Between the Old and the Young

Who are older persons? They are volunteers, workers, community leaders, community members, teachers, students, guardians, dependents, caregivers, care receivers, mothers, and fathers. They perform roles as diverse as the rest of society -they are simply persons who happen to be placed into one group because they have reached a certain chronological age. They can and do contribute to our society and will keep contributing in meaningful and useful ways.

In 1999, the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP), we are invited to reflect on the contributions of older persons. However, the UN theme for the Year, “Towards A Society For All Ages” encourages people to go beyond looking at the Year as a year just for older persons, but rather to think of it as an opportunity to focus attention on the intergenerational aspects of our society. It should not come as a surprise that different generations share many aspirations.

Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every
human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the
unfailing child-like appetite of what’s next, and
the joy of the game of living.

~ Samuel Ullman ~

It is especially important that young people understand the changing demographics of the society in which they are growing up and the tangible links that bind them to the generations who have forged our collective society. Strengthening the ties between the old and the young is just one way of connecting different generations in the common goal of contributing to our society.

Generations connect every time an older person teaches a child to make a family recipe, a teenager shows an older person how to use a computer, or different generations play a sport together. The benefits of interaction between generations are far reaching: friendships are formed, assistance is provided, lessons are learned and the young and old break through the generation gap.

Photo/Source: Health Canada

In our society ageism and stereotyping are prevalent and tend to emphasize the generation gap. One of the goals of this Year is to encourage relationships between young and old persons to make possible a truly age-inclusive society. This will be accomplished in part by breaking down, or exploding, the myths and stereotypes that confront older persons in their daily lives. Ability - not age - should be the key to how one perceives other people.

Older people are our greatest resource - they can impart many life lessons and remembrances. The challenge is to make use of what older persons have to give.
Photo/Source: Health Canada

How can you rise to the challenge?

As young Canadians, community leaders and teachers, you have the power to become involved. You can rise to the UN call for action by learning about the situation of our ageing population. The effects of the ageing population will be felt in all countries, at many levels and in many sectors. You should consider what role ageing issues will play in your neighbourhood, in businesses, in community groups and in your home.

In this “age of ageing” the idea of age-inclusiveness is more relevant than ever. This Resource Guide on International Year of Older Persons explains how questions of ageing and intergenerational programming can be brought into the classroom and into community groups. It gives ideas on discussion topics to get teachers and community leaders started, and activities to explore issues affecting older persons and their communities more fully in the section “Action Ideas - How Can You Get Involved?”

Some background information on “The United Nations and the Question of Ageing” and general “IYOP Questions and Answers” are also included as separate sections. Users can also take the “IYOP Quiz” to test their knowledge of IYOP and facts on older persons in Canada. Finally, the Resource Guide contains a list of resources on older persons and on intergenerational learning.

Remember, this is only a guide. In teaching young people about IYOP and issues facing older persons, one needs to be creative and engaging.


A Note on Intergenerational Programming

An intergenerational programme is the concept where a programme is developed to include and benefit different generations. The aim is to create greater links and communication between younger and older persons.

There are many examples of spontaneous intergenerational activities, especially within the family, which by its very nature is intergenerational. Organized intergenerational activities also occur within community or academic settings that enable younger and older people to interact either for personal enjoyment or for the purpose of providing assistance on specific projects.

During the International Year of Older Persons we have the opportunity to consider the advantages of intergenerational activities and explore areas where intergenerational strategies can be incorporated. Breaking through generation gaps is a pursuit in which we all win!

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