One of the persistent realities of ageism is the obvious schism between old and young. Aging boomers are sometimes confronted with reactions from younger generations that are insulting (sometimes unwittingly) if not rude. A common example is when a younger associate at a retail store calls an older customer "dear" or "honey." On the other side, older people might scoff at what they perceive to be the "laziness" of younger generations.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an important way to combat ageism is by closing the generation gap or, in their language, to utilize "intergenerational practice." This concept consists of  engaging old and young generations in "mutually beneficial activities that promote greater understanding and respect."

Here are the "seven levels of intergenerational contact" offered by the organization as starting points. These levels increase in intensity, but any can be an appropriate place to start closing the generation gap, promoting better understanding between older and  younger generations, and contribute to the reduction of ageism.

1. Learn about the age group
   Participants discuss "age" in relation to another generation, explore aspects of the lives of that age group and express their views, perceptions and assumptions
2. Seeing the other age group but at a distance
   Younger and older people learn about the other age group and connect positively, with no face-to-face contact
3. Meeting each other
   Younger and older people meet for the first time but not as part of a structured intergenerational activity
4. Annual or periodic activities
   Annual or regular meetings organized as part of established events in a local community or an organizational celebration, such as "World Children's Day"
5. Demonstration projects
   Regular meetings and shared activities to promote the formation of relationships, with dialogue, sharing and learning among different age groups
6. Regular intergenerational programs
   Programs that have been demonstrated to be successful or valuable from the perspective of the participants, integrated into their general activities and maintained as part of working practices and approaches
7. Intergenerational community settings
   The values of intergenerational interaction are introduced into the planning, development and functioning of communities.

WHO has published a free comprehensive "Connecting Generations" guide that offers a wealth of information about intergenerational practice. You can get it here.

Image from Agewithoutlimits.org

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