Healthier Lives Across Generations

In this insightful discussion hosted by Generations United, experts explore the transformative potential of intergenerational living as a solution to pressing societal challenges. The conversation brings together housing specialists, community leaders, government officials, and residents to share perspectives on creating communities where multiple generations live and thrive together.

Key Highlights:

• Definition and Models: Intergenerational living encompasses various housing arrangements where different generations live together with intentional community engagement—from multigenerational households to planned communities with shared spaces and programming.
• Addressing Multiple Challenges: Intergenerational communities help tackle housing affordability, social isolation, caregiving needs, and accessibility issues while promoting equity and community stability.
• Real-Life Impact: Residents like Constance from Good Life Senior Residences share powerful testimonials about the joy, support, and sense of family that comes from living in intentional intergenerational settings.
• Strategic Approach: The blueprint outlines four key strategies to advance intergenerational living:
  1. Building research evidence on outcomes and benefits
  2. Creating compelling narratives to build awareness
  3. Advancing supportive policies and funding mechanisms
  4. Sharing promising practices and design elements
• Policy Recommendations: Experts suggest zoning reforms, affordable housing incentives, by-right development, office-to-residential conversions, and better financing options to support more intergenerational communities.
• Stakeholder Roles: The blueprint identifies how local and state governments, federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, corporations, and healthcare companies can all contribute to making intergenerational living more accessible.

The discussion emphasizes that intergenerational living isn’t merely a housing concept but a comprehensive approach to rebuilding community connections across age groups. As one participant noted, “This isn’t something new—this is how families are supposed to be.” With intentional design, supportive policies, and collaborative efforts, intergenerational living offers a promising path to healthier, more connected communities for people of all ages.