Intergenerational Manifesto 2021 - Generations Working ...
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THE HAVEN Intergenerational Manifesto 2021
Manifesto 2
Generations Working Together is calling on Scotland to become an intergenerational
nation by 2030. Our manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Government Election:
▪ identifies three areas that we believe the Scottish Government elected for
2021 – 2026, and all elected Members of the Scottish Parliament should focus
on to help ensure that relationships between generations are strengthened and
Scotland becomes more connected and inclusive.
▪ makes fifteen specific calls for action, which we believe would help the nation
to make significant progress towards becoming an intergenerational nation and
improve the quality of life for Scots of all ages.
At a time when international Our vision is for a Scotland where different
generations are more connected, and
and intergenerational solidarity everyone can build relationships that help to
is needed the most, we create a fairer society.
express our deep concern This manifesto has been developed through a
over the escalation of ageism, dialogue with our members and partners. It is
supported by research evidence and the
including age discrimination experiences of intergenerational projects and
and stigmatization of older practitioners in Scotland and around the
world.
persons, which aggravate their
vulnerabilities. The Manifesto starts from the assumption that
intergenerational relationships, activities, and
We also recognize that initiatives can make a positive contribution to
solidarity between generations Scotland, its people, and its communities. It
focuses on creating a ‘policy and practice’
at all levels, within families, environment that has the potential to
communities, and nations, is maximise the impact these activities have.
fundamental for the It will take longer than a five-year
achievement of a society for parliamentary cycle to deliver fully on some of
our asks, however, we believe that the next
all ages.”
Scottish Parliament can lay the foundations for
longer-term development and make progress
-United Nations 2020 with all our proposed actions.
Asks & Actions 3
1 Embed intergenerational
approaches in governance and 2 Create more intergenerational
places and spaces
policy making
▪ Intergenerational Heroes (Champions) ▪ Spatial Planning – ensure that Scotland
– establish Intergenerational Heroes in all has a planning structure that enables the
governmental and public bodies (National development of communities to support
and Local) intergenerational contact and engagement
▪ Intergenerational Fairness – ensure ▪ Intergenerational Living – promote
that policymakers at all levels of and support intergenerational
Government (National and Local) evaluate developments and initiatives that enhance
the impact of policy on the wellbeing and Scotland’s housing provision
interests of all generations, including future (intergenerational villages, intergenerational
generations who don’t have a voice in the housing projects, intergenerational care
political process villages, intergenerational living initiatives)
▪ Integration of Intergenerational ▪ Public Space – encourage the
Approaches – give consideration as a development of civic and public spaces that
matter of routine to the added value which can be used by all generations and are
intergenerational approaches can bring to conducive to contact and the development
all areas of policy (and service delivery) at of relationships between people from
national and local levels different generations (town centres, parks,
gardens, green infrastructure)
▪ Intergenerational Governing
Bodies – ensure that there is appropriate ▪ Learning Spaces – promote and support
representation from all generations in the the establishment of intergenerational
governance of all public sector bodies hubs/learning spaces in education
establishments
▪ Intergenerational Engagement –
ensure that there is an intergenerational
dimension to public and community
engagement activity
JAYBEES NURSERY
Asks & Actions 4
3 Increase knowledge and
understanding of
intergenerational approaches
▪ Combatting Ageism - deliver a national
campaign to challenge ageism and build
trust and respect between generations.
▪ Challenge Ageism in School – embed
learning on age and ageing well in the
curriculum and ensuring all children and
young people experience intergenerational
learning as part of the Broad General
Education.
▪ Professional Learning – embed
intergenerational learning in graduate and
post-graduate training of key education,
health, and social care professionals and
promote/support post-qualifying
professional learning opportunities.
▪ Workplace Learning – promote and
support intergenerational learning
initiatives that contribute to economic
recovery and development.
▪ Research – commission and support
research to increase understanding of the
contributions that intergenerational
initiatives and relationships can make to
the quality of individual lives, community
inclusion, and cohesion.
▪ Improving practice – commission the
development of practical tools and
frameworks that help to drive
improvement in intergenerational practice.
EYEMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
The need for an intergenerational nation 5
50%
Scotland’s population is
continuing to age, with
a 50% increase in over
60s projected by 2033.
GANGSTA GRANNIES
Why do we need an The risk of loneliness and isolation
intergenerational nation?
If Scotland is to become an intergenerational
Generations Working Together is a national nation, the Scottish Government must take
charity and centre of excellence that fights decisive action and work closely with the
ageism and campaigns for stronger public, private, and third sector organisations
connections between younger and older to embed intergenerational practice into all
generations. We have been championing levels of our society. Scotland's population is
intergenerational connections since 2007. continuing to age, with a 50% increase in over
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, it 60s projected by 2033. If we fail to act, we risk
has become obvious that, more than ever, we creating a country where both younger and
must connect generations. older people become increasingly isolated.
With an increase in negative media stories
The pandemic has highlighted that we are pitting generations against each other, ageism
reliant on our communities and many people will continue to rise.
have experienced increased loneliness and
isolation. The pandemic has meant that we Our communities today live in silos segregated
have lived through death, disease, and physical by age, with most only having friends from
distancing from our loved ones. However, we their own generation. This has been further
have also witnessed an incredible show of impacted by Covid-19 with increased numbers
kindness between younger and older people of people living in isolation with little or no
coming together to support each other in the family support and no digital access,
community, building new relationships, trust equipment, knowledge or confidence in device
and respect and strengthening connections use. One way to tackle this is to connect
between all ages. We want to ensure that generations through programmes and projects
these connections are not lost and that where relationships are encouraged. However,
Scotland is better prepared to tackle this will not happen without the support of
loneliness, isolation, and ageism as a nation. people like our Intergenerational Heroes that
call for and help build connections. Research
The need for an intergenerational nation 6
has shown that intergenerational connections Crannog Care Home in Glasgow. In both
help tackle ageism, loneliness, and ill health. projects, older people have been supported by
Academics agree that bringing generations friendships, life storybooks, and shared
together can improve our wellbeing, feelings of activities that are impactful for all ages. The
safety, as well as bringing new skills and potential of these projects on health and
friendships. Evidence highlights that having no wellbeing cannot be underestimated.
intergenerational connections can contribute
to a lack of understanding of the ageing Embed Intergenerational Approaches in
process, age stereotypes and prejudices, and Governance and Policy Making
lack of new skills and information.
Bringing generations together is not only fun,
Being connected to different generations is cost-effective, and rewarding for all involved, it
vital when our society becomes disjointed and is vital to ensure our communities stay
1 in 2
Care home residents have depression or
symptoms of depression. Intergenerational
activities demonstrate that as an
intervention, they lift the spirits of residents
and are an effective way to respond to
loneliness.
Source: Apples and Honey Nightingale
TREASURE ISLAND NURSERY
the levels of loneliness and isolation increase. connected and people feel less isolated and
Loneliness and isolation are part of our mental lonely. When people from different
health and wellbeing and the Campaign to End generations get together, there is the potential
Loneliness report highlights that if this is not to address some of the biggest issues of our
tackled, we risk increased mental health issues. time. From healthcare reform, climate change,
The report also highlights that older people inequality, and political instability, investing in
need more support to tackle loneliness. an intergenerational approach will deliver
Intergenerational projects that specifically dividends across the policy spectrum. The
support people who have dementia, have been Scottish Government has recognised the
very successful, such as those organised by global climate emergency and the impact on
Anam Cara Respite Centre in Ayrshire and younger generations as a result of Covid-19, so
The need for an intergenerational nation 7
let’s ensure that both younger and older connections which can improve the nation’s
people are involved in finding the solutions to health and wellbeing.
these.
Intergenerational relationships have the
The focus on intergenerational practice potential to create wellbeing and happiness
becomes more urgent as our societies age and beyond measuring GDP. The need for this in
demand for health and social care services Scotland has already been highlighted. The
increase. Individual schools, a council, or a commitment to wellbeing has increased with
single charity cannot do this alone, it is our collective experience of the pandemic,
therefore essential for people to network, with the Towards a Robust, Resilient
create strong partnerships, and build trust Wellbeing Economy report highlighting that
with organisations from sectors who they may the challenges of a post-Covid-19 world will
not necessarily have had contact with include factors such as unemployment, which
previously. significantly reduce our collective wellbeing as
a nation.
These measures will work if aided by
Intergenerational Heroes across the country More Intergenerational
who are inspiring and working to improve the Places and Spaces
quality of intergenerational work in their local
areas. A truly intergenerational space is one where
both younger and older people feel
We need to recognise the importance of comfortable and safe enough to build
accredited intergenerational training to ensure relationships, and where ageism is significantly
good practice. Our members highlight that this reduced. During our Build an Intergenerational
is especially important in rural communities Nation event, members reported that spaces
that have higher rates of loneliness. By creating and places were key to developing a true
an intergenerational nation, Scotland would intergenerational nation. Covid-19 restrictions
become a global leader in intergenerational have shown that the redesign of spaces may be
practice and research, joining other nations necessary to enable us to engage with each
such as America, Northern Ireland, and Spain, other in safe and new ways. This presents an
ensuring our nation cares about the wellbeing opportunity to ensure that our new
of all ages of citizens and our future. environments are welcoming to different
generations and offers opportunities to spend
Intergenerational initiatives support people of more time together. The increase in hours for
all ages. Younger generations can become Early Learning and Childcare provides a
successful learners, confident individuals, significant opportunity for the private and
responsible citizens, and effective contributors. public sector to create and redesign co-located
These capacities are central to Scotland’s spaces such as Apples and Honey Nightingale
Curriculum for Excellence. Intergenerational in London, and Wee Mac’s outdoor
relationships create pillars of support, intergenerational nursery in Inverness.
friendships, build trust, respect andThe need for an intergenerational nation 8
Ageism has a detrimental effect on our society, We welcome the commitment to digital
Age UK found that, in Britain, being old is innovation in the Protecting Scotland,
considered younger than in many other Renewing Scotland 2020 report. However, we
countries and purposefully mixing generations would encourage organisations, local
reduces stigma and ageism. This is supported authorities and the Scottish Government to
by academics who claim that sustained contact incorporate a strong intergenerational element
between people of different ages, religions, or to any plans.
socioeconomic backgrounds results in greater
understanding.
Shared intergenerational spaces not only bring
communities together but are also extremely
cost-effective and beneficial to the
environment. A Generations United survey in
2018 found that, instead of costing more, Intergenerational spaces have a
intergenerational spaces could save money, lower staff turnover rate,
share staff and resources such as transport,
benefiting the organisation. It is relevant to 26% compared to the
industry average of 65-85%
note, especially in light of Covid-19, that
intergenerational spaces can be delivered safely
online. Investment in digital devices, Source: Generations United, 2019
intergenerational training and connection can
and should be encouraged to bring younger
and older people together online.
GENERATIONS WORKING TOGETHER CONFERENCE, 2019The need for an intergenerational nation 9
RAPLOCH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Scotland needs to invest in Architects, care staff, students, and academics
intergenerational learning and research are interested in taking part in further studies
however, this needs to be supported and
Intergenerational practice is often viewed as a funded by partners including the public, private
nice ‘add-on’ in our community, rather than a and voluntary sectors and government.
tool for change. Academic research has been
undertaken internationally and television Older and younger generations living in
documentaries such as ‘Old School with the Scotland deserve the very best. We believe
Hairy Bikers’, and ‘Older People’s Homes for fostering better relationships between
Four Year Olds’ have produced encouraging generations can go a significant way to
evidence. However, to encourage deeper increasing the quality of life for all. With
thinking into intergenerational practice, we support and commitment from of all political
need to invest more time, funding resources parties we can make change happen. With
into research in Scotland. relatively modest investment in finance,
training, research and commitment we can
Generations Working Together has witnessed make Scotland recognised across the world as
first-hand the positive impact of the a leader in intergenerational practice.
understanding intergenerational practice can
make and therefore calls on teachers, health We are relying on your support to make
workers and community leaders to increase Scotland the world’s first intergenerational
their learning, knowledge, and confidence nation.
around what builds strong intergenerational
relationships.
Generations Working Together share and
encourage intergenerational research.Endnotes 10
▪ A Snapshot of Ageism in the UK and Elders and Students. Journal of
across Europe (2011), Age UK, Intergenerational Relationships, 17 (3),
pp.380-387,
▪ Burnes.D, Sheppard. C, Henderson Jr,
C.R,Wassel.M, Cope. R, Barber,C. and ▪ McLaren, J. (2020) An Index of Social and
Pillemer, K. (2019) Interventions to Economic Well-being (ISEW) across 32
Reduce Ageism Against Older Adults: A OECD countries - 2006 to 2018
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,
American Journal of Public Health, ▪ Moretto, Nicole, Comans, Tracy A., Harris,
109, pp,e1_e9 Paul, Wu, Cathy and Vecchio, Nerina
(2019). Economic Evaluation of the
▪ Campaign to End Loneliness, The Intergenerational Care Project: Final
Psychology of Loneliness (2020) Report. Centre for Health Services
Research, University of Queensland,
▪ Dykstra,P.A. & Fleischmann,M. (2016) Brisbane.
Cross – age friendship in 25 European
countries. Studi di Sociologia.LV(2), ▪ National Improvement Framework and
(2016),pp.107-125. Improvement Plan: 2020, (2019) Scottish
Government,
▪ Eliza L.Y. Wong, Janice Y.C. Lau & Eng-
Kiong Yeoh (2018) Thinking ▪ Nemoto. Y, Kuraoka. M, Nonaka.
intergenerationally: intergenerational K, Tanaka. M, Murayama. S, Matsunaga.
solidarity, health and active aging in Hong H, Yasunaga.M, Kobayashi.E, Murayama.H,
Kong, Journal of Intergenerational Watanabe.S, Inaba. Y, Fujiwara. Y. (2008)
Relationships, 16 (4), pp.478-492 The relationship between intra- and inter-
generational exchange and mental health
▪ Elliot O'Dare, C., Timonen, V., & Conlon, among young and older adults. Japanese
C. (2019). Intergenerational friendships of Journal of Public Health, 65 (12), pp.719-
older adults: Why do we know so little 729.
about them? Ageing and Society, 39(1),
pp.1-16. doi:10.1017/S0144686X17000800 ▪ Scottish Government (2010), Demographic
Change in Scotland
▪ Generations United, Piecing It Together
Report (2019) ▪ Towards a robust, resilient wellbeing
economy for Scotland (2002), Advisory
▪ Haosen Sun & Markus H. Schafer, (2019) Group on Economic Recovery
Age integration in older Europeans’ non-
kin core networks: Does formal social ▪ Victor C. (2011) ‘Loneliness in old age: the
participation play a role?,"European Journal UK Perspective’ Safeguarding the Convoy:
of Ageing, Springer,16(4), pp.455-472, a call to action from the Campaign to End
December. Loneliness, Oxford: Age UK Oxfordshire.
▪ Hock, N. & Mickus, M. (2019) An
Intergenerational Residential Model forYou can also read
