Family Futures

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] 14

dvancing

ocial

ntegration

and

ntergenerational

olidarity

against their own family members. This situation is similar

to what Singapore experienced following a law passed there

in 1995. It was modified in 2010 to focus more on a concilia-

tion-first approach which does more to strengthen the bonds

between generations of family members.

Countries can consider an all-generations approach to

developing family policies designed to reinforce social inte-

gration and intergenerational solidarity. Simple questions

such as whether all generations are being viewed as assets

can provide standards to evaluate whether a proposed policy

is family-friendly. Generations United, a US-based advocacy

organization, suggests four principles to judge policies by:

• make lifetime well-being for all the highest priority

• consider the impact of every action on each generation

• unite rather than divide the generations for the greatest

social and financial impact

• recognize and support every generation’s ability

to contribute to the well-being of their families

and communities.

As global populations and economies shift, supporting the

relationships between and among generations in families and

societies becomes even more important. Policymakers and

other leaders can support and strengthen families by using a

lens that values and engages all ages. We are, after all is said

and done, stronger together.

same programmes scored better on reading tests, had more

advanced social skills and were more accepting of people

who were different from themselves.

In economic terms, intergenerational engagement maxi-

mizes the use of the world’s growing human capital asset

– older adults. Every country needs its elders to continue

to contribute and advance the well-being of society. Using an

intergenerational lens or frame strengthens social cohesion

and ensures that this important asset isn’t left dormant.

Hubert Humphrey, a former Senator and Vice President of

the United States, once said that the moral test of government

is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of

life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the

elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick,

the needy and the handicapped. The social compact he was

describing strengthens the commitment between and among

generations. This compact, along with social insurance and

retirement schemes, is coming under pressure as our global

population ages. As countries grapple with changes, some

are turning from a compact to a contract, often supported

by punitive policies. For example, in 2007 India passed the

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,

which punishes people found guilty of not providing care for

older family members. The punishment calls for imprison-

ment lasting up to three months or a fine of up to Rs5,000, or

both. Many parents, however, are hesitant to bring charges

Intergenerational approaches in Wales

In 2002 the Welsh Government undertook consultation with older

people across Wales to inform its national strategy for older people.

The most surprising outcome was the concern that older people

expressed for younger people and the belief that it was much harder

for young people now than when they themselves were young.

As a consequence, when the strategy was published in

2003 it contained a funded commitment to develop a national

intergenerational programme to be led by the Beth Johnson

Foundation. Since that time the Welsh Government has continued

to support the development of this work and intergenerational

approaches are embedded across the country.

Highlights have included a national working group on

grandparenting in 2006, the development of a national

intergenerational strategy in 2008 and the training of front-line staff

and volunteers across Wales. The importance of a coherent and

integrated approach now influences the way that policy is approached

and considered. The national action plan to address poverty and

young people takes an intergenerational approach, recognizing

that poverty is transmitted across the generations and needs a

whole community approach. The arts, community schools and the

environment have all become vehicles to develop the exchange of

skills and support to build better connected communities.

Building on its work of the last 10 years, Wales has now

expressed the ambition to become the first truly all-age friendly

nation in Europe. Linking to the work of the World Health

Organization, most authorities have already signed the Dublin

Declaration and a national action plan is being developed to

challenge inequality and disadvantage and ensure everyone

gets the best opportunity to age well as part of strong families

and communities.

“Our experience demonstrates that bringing our youth and older

people together is an essential foundation for a strong, vibrant and

cohesive nation that values all its members and creates a fairer and

more just society.”

– Alan Hatton-Yeo, Generations Together Cymru

Every country needs its elders to continue to contribute and advance

the well-being of society

Image: Generations United/Richard Adler