The Genesis of an Intergenerational Program

The origins of intergenerational programs have received little attention in comparison to intergenerational topics such as the benefits, satisfaction of young and old, attitude change, impact, and developing programs. This article explores the force, factors, or sequence of events that culminated in an intergenerational program. A qualitative study was conducted to examine the beginnings of six diverse intergenerational programs. The findings point to four common components present in the creation of an intergenerational program: a need, crisis, or problem; a committed responsive leader; a source of encouragement and support; and an accessible system for linking young and old. Each of the programs involved a creative process that generated an idea and a system bringing young and old together to solve problems or to address needs.