Uniting Generations with the Facts: It’s Not a Fight, it’s a Family

"...the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped. "

- Hubert H. Humphrey

In the April issue of Esquire magazine, an article entitled “The War Against Youth,” by Stephen Marche emerges as the latest attempt to incite generational conflict.  As a result of the attention this piece has received, Generations United has issued a statement in response to the article.  You can read our response on the Together blog.  

Stephen Marche’s “War on Youth” not only contains generational stereotypes, it espouses some basic errors regarding social safety net programs. This perspective pits the generations against each other and alienates the interests of older adults from children’s issues. We encourage advocates for children, youth, older adults and other vulnerable populations to take action on this latest attempt by some to fuel intergenerational conflict. Here are some talking points in response to the article.

1. INVESTING MORE IN CHILDREN

No one would quibble with the idea that our country needs to invest in its citizens across the lifespan. From babies to boomers, we all deserve opportunities to improve our lives and expand our horizons. A growing body of evidence says that investing in quality childhood education programs nets short- and long-term returns for taxpayers. It prepares our children to compete in a global economy and, therefore, strengthens our nation’s economy.

To thrive, children need more than education, they need nutritious food and quality health care. By providing these at an early age, we can help ensure our children are on the path to a healthy, productive future. Older adults in growing numbers are ready and willing to make these investments happen.

2. GENERATIONS INVESTING IN ONE ANOTHER

Marche’s article unjustly blames the Baby Boomer generation for many of the challenges facing our young people today, including crippling student loans and too-few entry level jobs. He further insinuates that the boomers’ callous indifference to the effect those challenges are having on the young will forever stunt the human potential of today’s youth.

Statistics do not bear out his assertions. A survey by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that two-thirds of grandparents provided an estimated $370 billion in financial support to grandchildren over a five-year period. This averaged out to $8,661 per grandparent household. They did this not out of duty, but out of concern and love for their young family members.

Thousands of grandparents are also finding themselves raising grandchildren when their children are unable to for any number of reasons. These grandparents get no recompense for their efforts, often having to stretch a small retirement income to feed and clothe their grandchildren. By keeping children out of the foster care system experts estimate that these grandfamilies actually save taxpayers more than $6.5 billion every year.[i]

Grandparents step in to provide daily child care, as well. According to the Census Bureau, among the 11.3 million children younger than five whose mothers are employed nationwide, 30 percent are cared for on a regular basis by a grandparent.

Through individual connections, school and community based projects and national service initiatives, young people contribute to the quality of life and care of many older adults as well by volunteering with meals programs, providing home inspections and repair, teaching technology skills and providing companionship.

Such commitment and sacrifices are common across America, punching holes in the Marche’s theory that the generations are at war with each other.  The real truth is the majority of Americans care about each other. They strongly believe, as we do, that “It is not a fight, it is a family.”

Caring for and supporting people of every generation shouldn’t be an either/or proposition. We need to ensure our policies and programs benefit all Americans, whatever their age.

3. COMPARING NET WORTH: IT’S NOT RELEVANT

Income: The amount of money that someone receives on a regular basis

Wealth: The total assets of a household [home value, 401(k) and other savings, checking account, vehicles, etc. MINUS liabilities such as mortgage, car loans, credit card debt, student loans, etc.]

Using a ratio of wealth is misleading. The comparison should be about income.

Typically, householders under the age of 35 haven’t accumulated much wealth. That’s because they tend to spend much of their income paying off debt (including student loans) and establishing their own households. So, while they may have a good income, because of their stage of life, they may have little wealth. By contrast, older householders may have more wealth, but considerably less income.

Let’s take a closer look.

The median net worth for households over age 65 is now $170,494. That may sound like a lot, but what does it really mean? For many people over the age of 65, the bulk of their “wealth” is tied up in their home.

At the time of their greatest earning power, these older Americans were buying and investing in their homes, once considered one of the pillars of solid investment. Times and circumstances have changed the landscape of homeownership and other investments. First came subprime loans, then the housing bubble burst. People over 65 who had once felt secure watched their home values drop significantly while their 401k’s and other retirement investments took a nosedive. The result: higher prices for groceries and essentials, but less money to spend. With much of their wealth tied up in their homes, many retirees now have few liquid assets to serve as a buffer. After all, you can’t buy groceries with drywall or eat the shingles on your roof.

4. KNOWING THE TRUTH: SOCIAL SECURITY IS THERE FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Lest you believe Marche’s “the sky is falling” view of Social Security, you should know that as the program celebrates its 76^th anniversary, Social Security remains one of the nation’s most successful, effective, and popular intergenerational programs. Here are other facts to consider:

Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides essential protections for people of all ages. Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program, protecting 98 percent of the children in the U.S. in the event that they lose a parent to death or disability. Nearly 7 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security.

Social Security is NOT going bankrupt. Social Security has a $2.6 trillion surplus and can pay full benefits through 2033 without any changes. Furthermore, relatively modest changes could be made and would place the program on a sound financial footing for 75 years and beyond.

Social Security will be there for you and has been every day of your life. Social Security has never missed a payment in 75 years. It is 100% solvent for the next 25 years and, in the highly unlikely case that Congress did not act before 2033, Social Security could still pay about three-fourths of benefits thereafter. With minor changes, Social Security can be solvent for years to come.

Americans would rather pay more than see benefits cut. Two-thirds of all Americans agree that they don’t mind paying for Social Security because of the security and stability it provides to millions of Americans.

Social Security should be strengthened, not cut. The best way to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. Social Security plays a critical role in providing economic security and indispensable protections for children, families, and retirees.

Reinstate the Social Security Student Benefit. When Congress enacted the student benefit in 1965, it recognized the growing importance of a college education and extended Social Security child benefits until age 22 for children enrolled in college. The benefit acknowledged that most young adults enrolled in post-secondary education depend largely on their parent’s income. In 1981, Congress ended the benefit to address the short-term funding crisis of Social Security. By reinstating the student benefit, we can help eliminate financial barriers to college for those who have lost parental support due to disability or death and help offer these students the support they need.

5. UNDERSTANDING THE REAL NATURE OF THIS CONFLICT

Inequality, the rising class system in America, unemployment across all generations and the growing debt are issues that affect all generations. This is not about generational conflict, this is about class conflict.

The top 1 percent has seen its after-tax income increase nearly 400 percent since 1979; but income for the middle 60 percent rose by just 40 percent.  In the past decade, typical families have actually lost ground (losing about 6 percent of income), while the top 1 percent has continued to gain. These tax inequities are harmful for children, families, and older adults.

Instead of fighting amongst each other, we should be coming together to fight for fairness.

  

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[i] CITATION/REFERENCE

This figure was calculated based on the federal share of the 2000 average monthly foster care maintenance payment for 1 million children. The Green Book of the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives estimates the cost at $545 per child. This is approximately half of the children being raised in grandfamilies outside of the formal foster care system. Half the children are used for our calculation, due to a conservative estimate that the other half already receive some type of governmental financial assistance, such as a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) child-only grant. Consequently, the cost of one million children entering the system would represent all new financial outlays for taxpayers.

Generations United’s Response to the 2012 Social Security Trustees Report

This year’s Social Security Trustees Report shows that our Social Security system works just as intended, even in difficult times. The 2012 report revealed that Social Security has a large and growing surplus; predicting that by the end of this year Social Security will have an accumulated surplus of $2.7 trillion. Despite this fact, every spring when the Social Security Trustees' annual report is published, the media and some politicians blame Social Security for our country’s fiscal problems and urge severe cuts to the country’s most successful income protection program. Though it’s not surprising, it is disappointing to see Social Security come under unwarranted attack, year after year. Here are the facts:

1. Without any congressional action, Social Security will continue to pay benefits to children, families and retirees for decades. With modest improvements to the program, it will continue to pay those benefits for the next century and beyond.

Social Security has never missed a payment in 75 years. The 2012 Trustees Report projects that Social Security can pay all monthly benefits in full and on time (with no congressional action) through 2033. It is 100% solvent for the next 20 years and, in the highly unlikely case that Congress did not act before 2033, Social Security could still pay about three-fourths of benefits for the next 74 years. The precise year has fluctuated in virtually every Trustees Report, sometimes projecting a later date, sometimes sooner. The most recent projected date is undoubtedly a result of the economic recession our country has experienced over the last five years. As millions of workers have found themselves without jobs, Social Security has received fewer contributions. Furthermore, any fluctuation in the projected date can occur because of the uncertainties with projecting inflation, wage growth, productivity, birth rate and other factors years into the future. With minor changes, Social Security can be solvent for generations to come.

2. Social Security does not contribute to the deficit.

Social Security is financed by its own revenue stream, the payroll tax. By law, Social Security cannot add to the nation’s deficit. It should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Social Security should be addressed sooner rather than later, but it should be done after the current deficit debate is concluded.

3. Social Security is much more than a retirement program.

It provides essential protections for people of all ages. Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Today, nearly 7 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security. In addition, the program offers protection to almost every child in the U.S. should they lose a parent to death or disability.

4. Social Security needs to be strengthened, not cut.

Unfortunately some politicians continue to falsely claim that Social Security is going bankrupt and won’t be there for your children/grandchildren. Their motive is to frighten the public and further their political agenda. The truth is, as Social Security celebrates its 77^th anniversary this August, it remains one of the nation’s most successful, effective and popular intergenerational programs.

The best way to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. Social Security plays a critical role in providing economic security and indispensable protections for millions children, families, and retirees.  Benefit cuts would mean a considerable loss of economic security for children and seniors and would break the promise of Social Security for all generations.

One way is to follow Senator Harkin’s proposal contained in his Rebuild America Act: phase out the cap on Social Security taxes. Currently, individuals are taxed up to $110,100 of their annual income; they do not have to pay Social Security tax on any income they make beyond that amount. By lifting that cap, we can extend the life of the Social Security Trust Fund until 2052.

Another low-cost recommendation to strengthen the program would be to reinstate the student benefit. By reinstating the student benefit, we can help eliminate financial barriers to college for those who have lost parental support due to disability or death. At a time when our economy needs educated workers, this is a wise investment—and it would only require Congress to raise Social Security contributions by $35 per person per year. That’s a very small price to pay for enormous long-term benefits.

5. Americans would rather pay more into Social Security than see benefits cut.

According to a poll co-sponsored by the National Academy of Social Insurance and the Rockefeller Foundation, the majority of Americans are willing to pay for Social Security because they value it for themselves (72%), for their families (75%), and for the security and stability it provides retired workers, disabled individuals, and children and widowed spouses of deceased workers (87%).

We don't have to slash benefits to make Social Security financially stronger for future generations. Social Security is arguably the most successful program in our nation's history. It is not in crisis.

While we must address Social Security, we have the time to do so in a calm, bipartisan way without the hype and scare tactics. People want security. They want to know they and their families will be taken care of in the wake of disability or death. And they want to be able to retire without having to worry whether they need to choose between their health, their home, or the food they put on the table.

We have time to find a lasting solution to our current economic challenges. What we need now are thoughtful leaders who are willing to put politics aside and do what is best for the majority of Americans.

For more information on the Trustees report, check out the National Academy of Social Insurance’s Findings of the 2012 Trustees Report.

To learn more on how Social Security helps children, youth and older adults, check out the following resources or visit the Generations United website (www.gu.org):

Social Security: What’s at Stake for Children, Youth and Grandfamilies

The Lost Social Security Benefit for Students

The Benefits of Social Security for Children

The Benefits of Social Security for Grandfamilies

Our First Bookend Blog: Betty White’s Off Their Rockers

One of the joys of working at Generations United is walking our talk. Our intergenerational workforce ranges from people in their 20s (and in their teens in the summer) into their 80s. It makes for wonderful discussions and quality work that benefits from everyone’s talents and life experiences. This doesn’t mean we always agree with each other but we are respectful of each other’s opinions and strive to listen and learn. Building on our age diversity, we thought it would be interesting to begin an occasional series called the Bookend Blog.  I often refer to younger and older people as the “bookends” that hold our civil society together. The blog provides a venue for bookend members of our team to comment on current events and offer generational perspectives.

Our first bookend bloggers are Adam Hlava, our 29 year old Operations and Grants Manager, and Tom Taylor, our 85 year old Seniors4Kids Special Advisor. Last week we asked both gentlemen to watch the new Betty White “pranking youngsters” show on NBC, Off Their Rockers, and offer their perspectives. Their reactions were diverse. I hope you enjoy reading their thoughts below and please weigh in, we’d love to hear your thoughts too!

Best, Donna.

From Adam:
An elderly man walks up to a skate park, pulls out a skate board from his stereotypical sweater, and proceeds to amaze the kids around him with some incredible stunt work.

This is one of the pranks that a cast of elderly actors pull on unsuspecting young folks in NBC’s newest reality show Off Their Rockers, hosted by comedic staple Betty White. Although admittedly the show plays up quite a bit of elderly stereotypes (seniors with canes, walkers, electric scooters, etc) and exaggerates them in many cases,  the show and its cast seem bent on shattering any pre-conceived notions that the elderly are simply cranky and antagonistic towards the younger generations. The limitations of older people are exaggerated in a way that makes a mockery of these stereotypes, and humorous in a way that generations young and old can appreciate. Another example was a scene in which an older woman at an airport recounts her rather wild time in Las Vegas.  It’s funny because it goes against a pre-conceived idea that an older person would never party wildly Vegas (for added comedic effect, the woman turned out to be a nun). But this is a major theme of this show; to break down these stereotypes and laugh at them.

The jokes were well-intentioned and (for the most part) were generally pretty funny and in some cases a tad raunchy. Television today targets their programming towards specific age groups, but Off Their Rockers seems to bring a form of unity to its audience. Humor is ageless, and folks young and old can appreciate a  well-natured gag. I can imagine watching this show with my grandparents and, aside from the awkwardness derived from some of the more risqué humor, see us all laughing together.  Betty White is one of the funniest people on the planet, and she happens to be 90 years old. It was refreshing and unique to see her talents and the those of the older cast members of the show, something that folks of all ages can appreciate.

From Tom:
They sure were, "Off Their Rockers". I'm 85 and my lady friend is 82 and we watched the program together. We both feel that the program failed to do anything constructive in terms of creating better intergenerational relationships. Most of the segments were silly, pointless and had no conclusion. The young people were left guessing as to what was going on and had expressions on their faces wondering if older people really are, "off their rockers". The one great segment was the man on the skateboard. He should be in show business. A great opportunity was missed when the two young men who were watching him were not interviewed for their impressions of what this senior was able to do. The skateboarder had shown them some tricks which were a challenge to them. They may have wanted to learn more because their facial expressions showed that they respected and admired his ability. Let's not try to fool the younger generations. Instead  share our knowledge and experience and, accept and acknowledge help which younger people frequently offer.

Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal Media, LLC

April 15-21 | National Volunteer Week

Next week is National Volunteer Week, a time when we pay tribute to the millions of Americans that give back to their communities through acts of service and volunteerism.  We also take this time to celebrate and renew the spirit of service that has enriched our country for generations.

Generations United supports intergenerational service and volunteerism by promoting policies that expand the number and diversity of volunteers in quality intergenerational programs.  A wide range of policies provide opportunities for intergenerational service, including the Serve America Act and the Older Americans Act.

By engaging all generations in volunteer service, communities offer individuals opportunities to help make their cities and towns better places to live, work and thrive.  Not only does it feel good to give back, research shows there are health benefits to it too!

People of all ages can volunteer and make a difference.  Numerous tools are available online to help connect people of all ages to local service opportunities.  To find local volunteer opportunities near you, visit United We Serve. 

It’s Not a Fight, It’s a Family.

Part 2 of our response can be found here: Uniting Generations with the Facts

In the April issue of Esquire magazine, an article entitled “The War Against Youth,” by Stephen Marche emerges as the latest attempt to incite generational warfare while offering no constructive policy recommendations. As a result of the attention this piece has received, Generations United is issuing the following statement. 

Recent attempts in the media to fuel intergenerational conflict are a disservice to our country. This is particularly true in the midst of a polarizing political climate that threatens to cut critical safety net programs for children, youth, and older adults. Rather than pitting generations against one another, we should be working together to address our country’s most difficult challenges while still investing in each generation of our society. 

Marche’s article unjustly blames the baby boomer generation for our country’s problems and insinuates that generation’s callous indifference will forever stint the human potential of today’s youth. This narrow view devalues the capacity and contributions of both older and younger generations. To address the needs of our country, we must forge stronger connections among generations and engage the strengths unique at every age.

Old and young Americans form a community of interest. It’s called family. According to Pew Research Center, 76% of adults report that family is the most important element of their life. And in these family units we demonstrate how much we care about each other.

Take grandparents, for example. A survey by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that two-thirds of grandparents provided an estimated $370 billion in financial support to grandchildren over a five-year period. This averaged out to $8,661 per grandparent household. They did this not out of duty, but out of concern and love for their young family members. Grandparents step in to provide child care, as well. According to the Census Bureau, among the 11.3 million children younger than five whose mothers are employed, 30 percent are cared for on a regular basis by a grandparent.

Too often, Social Security is referred to as a retirement program. Tell that to the nearly 7 million children and youth who today receive a critical part of their family income from Social Security.  In reality, it is a family protection program. It covers almost every child in America should they lose a parent to death or disability. Moreover, two-thirds of Americans support paying more for Social Security instead of reducing benefits.  Most importantly, Social Security is fully funded through 2036. With modest changes to strengthen the program, it can be solvent for generations to come.

Marche asserts today’s youth are on their own; he sees young people returning home as a negative. But that’s what families do: take care of their own in times of need. Today, more than 51 million—or one in six—Americans live in multigenerational households, including grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Young people are not the only ones moving in with relatives. A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive, found that 66% of adult respondents living in a multigenerational household reported that the current economic climate was a factor in their family becoming a multigenerational household, while 21% reported that it was the only factor. Most of the respondents expressed positive feelings about their new arrangement. In fact, 82% agreed that “My family’s multigenerational household arrangement has enhanced bonds or relationships among family members.” If anything, our country is moving into a time when families are realizing once again we are interdependent and need each other. It’s not a sign of weakness but a tribute to enduring strengths of families.

A recent study by the MetLife Mature Market found that respondents—across the generations—feel a sense of strong responsibility and obligation to:

• save enough for retirement to avoid having to ask family members for assistance
• have a parent live with them if they need help due to a major health or financial issue
• make sure a spouse or child would have enough money if a financial provider dies unexpectedly
• Help to pay for a child’s college education
• Provide strong and consistent emotional and non-financial support and contact

That doesn’t sound like a country whose generations are at war with each other.  The majority of Americans care about each other. They strongly believe, as we do, that “It is not a fight, it is a family.”

Caring for and supporting people of every generation shouldn’t be an either/or proposition. We need to ensure our policies and programs benefit all Americans, whatever their age.

 

We encourage intergenerational advocates to take action on this latest attempt by some to fuel intergenerational conflict.  Here’s how you can help:

TAKE ACTION

Share our statement. 

“Like” our statement on Facebook.

Post a comment on Marche’s blog.

• “The War Against Youth” article unjustly blames the baby boomer generation for our country’s problems and insinuates that generation’s callous indifference will forever stint the human potential of today’s youth. This narrow view devalues the contributions of both older and younger generations and is an unfair accusation.
• There is not a “Young America” and an “Old America”.  Falsely separating older and younger people into age-graded silos makes each generation more vulnerable and hurts our economy.
• The  best way to put our country on a more productive path is to forge stronger connections among generations, engage the strengths unique at every age and address the needs of each.

Part 2 of our response can be found here: Uniting Generations with the Facts

Why We Need the Affordable Care Act

Last week the Supreme Court held arguments on the constitutionality of several provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). And earlier this spring, House Budget Chair Paul Ryan released a proposed budget that would repeal the ACA (See Generations United’s response to the Ryan budget). Generations United is very concerned that repealing the ACA will have a serious and detrimental impact on the long-term budget outlook for the national and undo many critical provisions that support America’s most vulnerable populations.

The Government Accountability Office recently released a report entitled “The Federal Government’s Long-Term Fiscal Outlook.” This report concluded that repealing key provisions of the ACA would contribute to a significant increase in the federal debt due to spending on Medicare and Medicaid. According to the GAO, without the ACA in place, spending on Medicare and Medicaid would grow to over eight percent of GDP by 2030.

As a result of the reforms made in the ACA, Medicare is expected to save $418 billion over 10 year. The savings will come from making Medicare more efficient by improving the way health care providers deliver care, modernizing how Medicare pays for those services, and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. The GAO report highlights the importance of not recklessly overturning the ACA, or using other means such as the Ryan budget proposal to mandate ACA repeal along with attacks Medicare and Medicaid.

Generations United strongly supports the ACA. The intergenerational provisions within the bill provide vital health care protections and services to children and older adults. However, these benefits are not yet guaranteed. Since the ACA’s provisions are phased in gradually, lawmakers must continue to fund and support the implementation of the ACA for all its provisions to take full effect.

Learn about these benefits and more in Generations United's fact sheet, Health Care Benefits for Children & Older Adults: The Affordable Care Act.

-Eric Masten and Rachel Snell

Virginia Planning District 10 | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

 

Virginia Planning District 10

City of Charlottesville and the five surrounding counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson

“Healthy Aging is a Lifelong Activity”

Covering the City of Charlottesville and sprawling counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson, Virginia’s Planning District 10 was, until fairly recently, as divided in its approach to serving multiple generations as in its geography. Thanks to a concerted effort by the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), that has changed. Today, organizations with audiences as different as the Boys and Girls Club, the Alzheimer’s Association, the YMCA, and the Local Food Hub work together to help ensure healthy aging at every stage of life in Planning District 10. The district has become a national model by embracing a philosophy of intergenerational mutual benefit.

In 2003 Planning District 10 created the 2020 Plan: Aging in Community. The plan recognized the importance of intergenerational initiatives and provided a clear blueprint the community could follow in its quest to become a truly great intergenerational place to live. The 2020 Plan caught the attention of the U.S. Administration on Aging, which presented Planning District 10 with an “Overall Excellence Award.”  From that plan, Planning District 10 partnered with Just Partners, Inc. to develop the “Viable Futures Toolkit,” which offers ideas on creating solutions for older generations that simultaneously address the needs of younger people and community livability. Thirteen states now use the toolkit.

Today, JABA’s mission is “to promote, establish and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit individuals and families of all ages.” All eight of JABA’s community centers have active intergenerational programs and members of its two adult care centers interact on a daily basis with co-located child care centers. In addition, there are intergenerational song-writing/performance programs, tutoring opportunities, vocational education programs, nutrition initiatives, and high school student representation on JABA’s volunteer board, as well as many other intergenerational activities. Community gardens yield locally grown food that is used to feed elderly residents at the local community and senior centers.

 

For more information about Virginia Planning District 10, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

San Diego County, CA | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

 

San Diego County, California

“Live Well, San Diego!: A Healthy Community For All Ages”

With three million residents strong, the County of San Diego believes in the need to support intergenerational connections. In 2001, it backed up that belief with serious funding by adding a full-time staff position of Intergenerational Coordinator at the county’s department of Aging & Independence Services (AIS). That investment has paid big returns: through intergenerational programs it has employed residents’ strengths to expand services and address serious challenges.

In San Diego today, all types of county services and programs have an intergenerational aspect. Libraries and Parks and Recreation offer intergenerational art, math, reading and jazz programs. Older adults take part in a Workforce Academy for Youth, mentoring foster youth for six months as they get ready to leave the foster system and join the work world. Young people have the opportunity to join the Legacy Corps Program where they serve caregivers and learn about the aging process.

This June, county agencies, non-profit organizations, for-profit agencies and faith communities will conduct a summit: Live Well, San Diego! Building a Healthy Community for All Ages. Speakers and activities will focus on how to make healthy choices and create living environments that encourage safe, active lifestyles.

San Diego’s efforts have resonated well with residents of all ages. As retired volunteer and community gardener Rich Rogers noted, community gardening “has turned into a labor of love. Gardening is as “grass roots” as you can get and teaching and mentoring kids of all ages increases my desire to be a positive influence and asset in my community.”

For more information about San Diego County, CA, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

Oberlin, OH | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

Oberlin, Ohio

“Live, Learn, Lead”

The City of Oberlin, Ohio, with approximately 8,300 residents, has many points of pride: it has a nationally-ranked liberal arts college, a strong abolitionist history, a rich and varied cultural life, and a legacy that all individuals matter.

Oberlin’s commitment to the importance of intergenerational opportunities is evident in the city’s logo, which includes the tagline “Live. Learn. Lead.”  That tagline underscores the city’s commitment to encouraging all residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Collaboration and community service are a big part of life in Oberlin, as the City of Oberlin has built strong alliances with community organizations that ensure that Oberlin is an intergenerational community.  The local government, Oberlin College, Oberlin City Schools, Kendal at Oberlin (a retirement community), Oberlin Community Services, Oberlin Heritage Center, Mercy Allen Hospital, and many other local organizations work closely together to develop programs that support and encourage interaction among different generations. 

The Kendal Early Learning Center, located in Kendal, provides daycare in an intergenerational setting. Oberlin Elementary Schools have a Grandparent Readers Program and a Listening Post Program, providing opportunities for children in interact regularly one-on-one with older adults.

For more information about Oberlin, Ohio, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

Lamoni, IA | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges.

 

 

Lamoni, Iowa

“One Generation”

The residents of Lamoni, Iowa have never let their small population (just under 2,500 people) stop them from thinking big and acting even bigger. Indeed, Lamoni serves as a great example of what a small town can do when its residents believe in themselves and their future together.

When a problem needs fixing or an issue needs attending, residents of every age are ready, willing, and able to help out.  Responsibility for intergenerational efforts does not fall to any one group in Lamoni, but is a social norm for community life. All ages work together, and every resident has a special role to play.

You might say intergenerational collaboration is part of the town’s DNA. From the time they’re very young, Lamoni children are exposed to service learning. Schools help partner young people with businesses, civic groups, social clubs, and other youth organizations to work on projects designed to better the community.

One current project, the Lamoni SAFE Coalition, was organized in 1998 to provide quiet, behind-the-scenes support for local families. Through the coalition, high school students, Graceland University students, young adults, middle-age adults, and seniors work together to identify and address local needs.

 

For more information about Lamoni, Iowa, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.

Georgetown, TX | 2012 Best Intergenerational Communities

Generations United and MetLife Foundation are pleased to recognize five incredible communities with the first ever Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. These awards were created to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational living and programs play in building strong, supportive communities.  The winning entries were selected by a blue ribbon panel of judges. 

 

Georgetown, Texas 

“Growing a community where all are valued and have the opportunity to thrive.”

Georgetown, Texas is home to approximately 47,000 residents. The city is unique in a number of ways: it is the county seat of Williamson County; it is the home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas; and it is the site of Sun City Texas, a retirement community whose residents make up one-third of the city’s population. But what really sets Georgetown apart is its commitment to promoting an intergenerational mindset where everyone can feel welcome and wanted.

In Georgetown, no one entity plans or oversees the city’s array of intergenerational activities or initiatives. Instead, the city government, schools, businesses, and religious and nonprofit organizations all work collaboratively to identify opportunities and strengthen existing efforts.

The city government helps sustain intergenerational efforts in a number of ways. Using an Asset Based Community Development approach, it works to build the often underused “community assets” (talents) of seniors and youth. The city is also a major contributor to the Georgetown Project, which funds social service and youth development organizations that help sustain intergenerational connections.

Senior adults (50 and older) in Georgetown can take advantage of affordable lifelong learning through the Georgetown Senior University program. Approximately 600 residents currently take classes.

Georgetown’s commitment to intergenerational understanding means a great deal to residents.

 

For more information about Georgetown, Texas, download America’s Best Intergenerational Communities.