| Abstract: | The process of aging is increasingly becoming a topic of interest among people of all ages. As life expectancy and technol- ogy increase, along with opportunities for early retirement, people are becoming concerned about the physical and mental changes that accompany aging and the services and programs addressing these needs. Based on activity theory, intergenerational programs serve to bridge the gap between the young and the old by incorporating activ- ities specifically designed to encourage interactions between the two age groups. Although research in this area is not abundant, evidence indicates the benefits of intergenerational programs seem to out- weigh any disadvantages, suggesting that intergenerational pro- gramming is becoming a trend in our society. This paper provides a general overview of the nature, characteristics of, and resources re- garding intergenerational programs. |
