In Grandpa's Shoes: An Invitation to Intergenerational Connection

In Grandpa's Shoes: An Invitation to Intergenerational Connection

Most of us recognize the value of intergenerational relationships, but often our lives don’t reflect this value. It’s hard to know where to start. In May of 2017, Generations United and the Eisner Foundation published a report called “I Need You, You Need Me: The Young, the Old, and What We Can Achieve Together.” 53% of adults say that it’s rare for them to spend time with people older or younger than they are, outside of family. Three in four adults wish their communities offered more opportunities to do so. In 2018, the same two organizations published a second report, called “All In Together: Creating Places Where Young and Old Thrive.” It found that only 26% of adults are aware of places in their community that care for children/youth and older adults together. When it comes to which community institutions should be creating opportunities for young and old to interact, 58% of respondents highlight places of worship. When it comes to the church, there are plenty of books written on the importance of intergenerational relationships, with suggestions on how to create a culture that values such connections. But there are few resources available when it comes to facilitating intergenerational conversations or hosting intergenerational small groups. You can use this book to create space for attentive listening between generations and the forming of new, life-giving, intergenerational friendships.