What is intergenerational engagement and why does it matter? Intergenerational (IG) engagement is a powerful way to build belonging and create social connections. Intergenerational engagement is not a new concept—it’s something that we’ve done naturally throughout time. Connecting younger people and older adults in intentional ways and learning across generations is inherent to who we are as humans. By promoting mutual respect, learning, and collaboration through purposeful, community-focused activities, IG engagement helps build stronger and more connected communities. Bringing different generations together in meaningful, collaborative ways improves everyone’s wellbeing.
The stresses of modern living make meaningful connections more challenging. Loneliness and the risk of disconnection create significant belonging deficits impacting individuals and organizations in different ways. Some people are more impacted than others, depending on their social, economic and cultural resources. Volunteer Canada is addressing this challenge by creating an Intergenerational Engagement Initiative. In partnership with diverse stakeholders, Volunteer Canada is building knowledge, networks and evidence to strengthen pathways for engagement and participation that will make it easier for all generations to connect, engage and fully participate.
Through extensive research and in partnership with local leaders and international experts, we are building an exciting intergenerational engagement ecosystem that will support individuals, organizations and businesses to re-imagine how they support engagement, participation and volunteerism across the lifespan. Alongside research and evidence-building we will also support scaling and nurturing high-impact initiatives in local communities.
GenerationsCo is an evolving and expanding source for resources, network engagement, research and tools that will help build an intergenerational engagement ecosystem.
When we work together, we not only enhance the wellbeing of those involved and increase their social capital and sense of belonging, but we challenge ageism, increase social cohesion and support a more resilient society. GenerationsCo is a place for Connecting generations, Collaborating on ideas and building stronger Communities for a brighter future.
Volunteer Canada is excited to announce a new partnership with ILC Canada and HelpAge Canada to scale the Pan-Canadian Intergenerational Hub. This partnership builds on existing efforts by intentionally focusing on strengthening intergenerational connections among girls and older racialized women, supporting organizations in designing inclusive initiatives that foster meaningful relationships across generations, and build stronger, more resilient communities. The Hub will continue to connect organizations, catalyze the engagement of volunteers of all ages, and support the sharing of best practices while strengthening intergenerational program through knowledge exchanges, toolkits, and collaborative forums. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to engage with the Hub, access new resources, and connect with partners across the country.
By engaging in intergenerational activities, individuals of all ages benefit from the shared experiences that foster understanding, respect, and support. There are numerous benefits for all participants:
Program Name: Linking Generations
Program Website: https://linkinggenerations.ca/program-overview/
Program Location: Canada (programs delivered in multiple communities)
Program Description:
Linking Generations facilitates structured, school-year-long mentorship between students and older adults through regular visits. Small groups of students are paired with one older adult, encouraging meaningful relationships built on shared learning, storytelling, and social connection.
Program Name: GrandPals
Program Website: https://grandpals.app
Program Location: Canada (implemented across multiple communities)
Program Description:
GrandPals brings older adults and elementary school students together for weekly storytelling and conversation sessions. Through these interactions, students document and share their GrandPal’s life stories, fostering literacy, empathy, and meaningful intergenerational relationships while supporting social connection for older adults.
Program Name: BC Brain Wellness Program – Intergenerational Storytelling Project
Program Website: https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/
Program Location: British Columbia, Canada (primarily Vancouver-based, with virtual components)
Program Description:
This program connects students with older adults, often virtually, to share and document life stories through conversation, writing, and memory-sharing activities. It has a strong focus on brain health and dementia-friendly engagement, supporting cognitive stimulation for older adults while fostering empathy and communication skills in youth.
Program Name: Generations Homework Club (Intergenerational Connect)
Program Website: https://www.ccssociety.ca/our-program/intergenerational-programs/
Program Location: Canada (community-based programming)
Program Description:
This program creates a co-learning environment where youth and older adults come together for tutoring, mentorship, and skill-building. It focuses on building confidence, supporting academic success, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships across generations.
Program Name: Volunteer Grandparents
Program Website: https://volunteergrandparents.ca/about-us/
Program Location: Canada (varies by program partner)
Program Description:
Volunteer Grandparents connects older adult volunteers with children and youth to provide mentorship, emotional support, and companionship. The program helps reduce social isolation among seniors while offering young people guidance and meaningful intergenerational relationships.
Program Name: WILD Generations (Canadian Wildlife Federation)
Program Website: https://cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/wild-generations.html
Program Location: Canada (national programming)
Program Description:
WILD Generations brings youth and older adults together through outdoor, nature-based activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and citizen science. The program emphasizes environmental stewardship while promoting intergenerational knowledge exchange and connection through shared experiences in nature.
Program Name: Learning for Life (LFL Ontario)
Program Website: https://lflontario.ca/
Program Location: Ontario, Canada
Program Description:
Learning for Life Ontario supports intergenerational learning opportunities that bring older adults and younger people together through education and community engagement. Programs focus on lifelong learning, skill-sharing, and strengthening community connections across age groups.
Program Name: Global Intergenerational Week (Generations Working Together)
Program Website: https://generationsworkingtogether.org/global-intergenerational-week
Program Location: Global (with participation across Canada)
Program Description:
Global Intergenerational Week is an annual campaign that celebrates and promotes intergenerational connections through events, activities, and community initiatives. It encourages organizations and communities to create opportunities for different generations to come together, share experiences, and build understanding.
Resources on intergenerational engagement.
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