Intergenerational mentoring and activities

There is some evidence that intergenerational mentoring and activities improve physical and mental health, cognitive function and well-being, and reduce social isolation among older adults^{1, 2, 3, 4}. Such programs also increase positive intergenerational attitudes for both participating older adults and youth^{1, 3}. Additional evidence is needed to confirm effects.

Older adult mentors who participate in intergenerational mentoring programs, such as Experience Corps, can improve physical health, cognitive function, and psychosocial well-being^{2, 4}. Available evidence suggests that intergenerational mentoring and activities may improve older adults’ sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and life satisfaction^{1, 3, 4, 5}. A Los Angeles-based pilot study suggests participation in an intergenerational mentoring program can improve social well-being and reduce risk for physical health problems for older adults⁶. Both older adults and youth who participate in intergenerational programs may develop meaningful relationships and positive interactions with the other generation and share wisdom and advice^{1, 7}.      

Among participating youth, intergenerational mentoring and activity programs can improve attitudes toward aging and older adults as well as themselves, increase academic achievement and social development, and reduce substance use and school absences^{1, 5}. Youth participating in intergenerational mentoring programs are more likely to report that they feel connected and have better mental health and emotional well-being^{4, 5, 8}. In general, mentoring programs between adults of any age and youth increase positive educational outcomes for participating youth⁹ and appear to reduce delinquent behavior for youth at risk of delinquency^{10, 11}. Older adults’ life experience and emotional stability prepare them well as mentors to advise at-risk youth⁵.

Successful intergenerational mentoring programs match individual mentors’ strengths and resources with the needs of potential mentees, pair mentors and mentees with shared backgrounds, provide ongoing training for mentors, support youth-driven and reciprocal interactions, and engage young people by incorporating their perspectives^{4, 5, 12}. Intergenerational mentoring programs that use targeted approaches for youth with identified problems, matched to relevant interventions in the context of mentoring relationships, can have greater effects than programs with non-specific, relationship-focused approaches¹³. 

Many intergenerational mentoring and activity programs exist across the country. For example, Experience Corps, a community-based program in fourteen states and Washington, D.C., offers older adults volunteer service opportunities in urban public elementary schools¹⁴. Examples of local intergenerational programs include JCA Heyman Interages Center’s mentoring and tutoring programs in Maryland¹⁵; the Generational Xchange (Gen X) program in Los Angeles which places older volunteers in K-3 grade classrooms to help students improve math and reading skills¹⁶; Learning Buddies in Minnesota where older adults and elementary students work together on classwork¹⁷; and Family Friends at the Intergenerational Center at Temple University in Philadelphia¹⁸.

Generations United provides a database of intergenerational programs and technical assistance. Generations United also recognizes outstanding programs with their Programs of Distinction award¹⁹.