As we mark Global Intergenerational Week, it’s a powerful moment to reflect on the vital role that bringing generations together plays in building a stronger, more inclusive Wales – a Wales where everyone, no matter their age, is valued and celebrated.
Intergenerational activity is far more than simply young and older people spending time together. It is a dynamic, transformative process that strengthens understanding and respect, breaks down barriers, and fosters genuine relationships across age groups. When people of different generations connect meaningfully, the assumptions they may hold about each other are challenged.
These connections are a crucial part of building age-friendly communities – communities where everyone can participate fully, feel safe, and live with dignity and respect. In Wales, we are proud of our commitment to creating such communities, and intergenerational work must be recognised as a cornerstone of this ambition.
At a time when ageist stereotypes and discrimination persist, intergenerational activity is one of the most powerful tools we have for change. When people share their stories, skills and experiences across generations, it becomes impossible to reduce them to harmful stereotypes. Instead, we see each other’s humanity, complexity and value.
Intergenerational approaches also play a key role in creating intergenerational workplaces – spaces where people of all ages can collaborate, learn from one another and thrive. Businesses and organisations that embrace age-diverse teams benefit from a richer exchange of ideas, broader perspectives, and stronger performance. In a fast-changing world, workplaces that actively value every generation’s contribution are not only fairer, but stronger and more resilient too.
Despite these benefits, greater awareness and recognition of the power of intergenerational activity is still needed. Too often, initiatives that bring generations together are viewed as optional extras rather than essential strategies for strengthening our society. We must continue to raise the profile of this work and embed it into our policies, practices and community planning.
There are so many opportunities to harness this. Whether it’s older and younger people collaborating on digital skills projects, community gardening, arts and music programmes or co-producing services and policies, each interaction creates a greater understanding and respect. And the benefits ripple far beyond those directly involved. Stronger intergenerational bonds strengthen communities, combat loneliness and isolation and support well-being across all ages. They create a society that values contribution and connection over division and misunderstanding.
Moreover, intergenerational activity is central to building sustainable and cohesive communities. By forging lasting relationships across age groups, we nurture social solidarity, resilience, and mutual support – foundations that are crucial for tackling the major challenges we face, from economic inequality to climate change.
As Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, I see time and again the extraordinary impact when we get this right. I hear from people of all ages who feel renewed purpose, increased confidence, inspiration and a deeper sense of community belonging through connecting with other generations.
That’s why I will continue to champion intergenerational approaches at every level – in policy, in practice and in our everyday lives. Building bridges between generations is not just a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential to creating the kind of Wales we all want to live in: fair, compassionate, and full of opportunity for everyone, at every age.
This Global Intergenerational Week, let’s commit to deepening these connections, challenging outdated attitudes, and celebrating the incredible power of bringing generations together.
