We work hard to help them grow into a system of democratic values and social solidarity, hoping that they will make it their own and defend it in future times. We invest in them for our future, and their own. At the same time, if the press is to be believed, we are fearful of them.
We live in a world of exponential change. Global economy, global security, global sustainability. Within our country the relationship between education and employment has changed for ever. Caring roles in our communities are increasingly taken over by professionals. Mobility means that families live in separate places. At the same time we walk in the same public spaces; we suffer from antisocial behaviour; we pass poverty (and wealth) on from generation to generation. We need to build on what we hold in common so that generations don't see each other as separate, with different - and conflicting - interests. Intergenerational work is increasingly important in this context.
Because of current global and social pressures young people have less and less room to try out the process of "growing up". Adolescence focuses increasingly on selecting the right direction and then staying on a narrow path. This can be boring. Young people see the world differently. New realities and fresh aspirations become more important than old social and political systems and allegiances. They have a vested interest in sustainability as they will live in that future and have much to gain from intergenerational programmes. Relationships with "safe" adults can offer a space to explore adulthood, to try out new ways of being themselves; to develop new skills and confidence and to belong to a wider community.
There are many examples of successful programmes - digital inclusion, befriending, heritage, dance, identity ... Intergenerational work is not a panacea. It is one approach that enables different individuals and groups to connect, and through that connection to open up the possibility of new ways of thinking and being. We can create and share a different "meaning", one which strikes a balance between change and conservation, the old and the new. We may live our lives as different generations; but we can choose to see this as an opportunity to share experience, power, fun and friendship.
Viv McKee is director of policy, information and research at The NYA. She can be contacted at vivm@nya.org.uk.
