Promoting intergenerational practice on World Social Work Day

Happy World Social Work Day!

My name is Lyn Romeo, and I have been a qualified social worker for over 44 years. This is my first year of semi-retirement and I am enjoying having a lot more time to visit my extended family and friends across the globe. It is uplifting to experience the connection between people of different ages and experiences and to learn and laugh together.  The fragmented nature of modern society and the communities in which we live can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.  This applies to people of all ages, including children and adults who used to have regular face-to-face interactions with grandparents, aunts, friends, and neighbours. Of course, technology and the ability to have online connections give us many opportunities to have intergenerational connections. However, there is nothing like being in the same room with others. 

I am now on BASW council and a trustee of several charities, one of which provides housing and support for older people.   I recently had the privilege of visiting one of our care homes and their residents. It happened to coincide with the day that the local parent and toddler group spends the day with them.  The fun and joy, both for the older people and the children, was infectious, with care staff also really enjoying the day.  I was touched by how caring and concerned the older people were towards the children and very supportive of their parents, offering nuggets of wisdom and insight. 

 Mostly though, I was taken with how accepting and engaged the children were with older people. They did not see those stereotypes of older people that we often experience every day on the media of wrinkly hands, forgetfulness and being more of a burden than a joy. The parents told me how much the children enjoyed these days and, as many of them didn’t have grandparents, and how enriching it was for them.  The older peoples’ smiles and laughter said it all. And the staff reported that the feeling of wellbeing, both for the residents and the staff group, lasted for the rest of the week. 

This is an excellent example of how intergenerational social care practice can bring mutual benefit, promote understanding and respect, build cohesive communities, address social isolation and loneliness, challenge ageism and support people of different ages to learn from each other. 

As social workers, we have many opportunities to promote intergenerational practice approaches to create resilient communities and sustainable environments.  With the challenges ahead, I hope we will do so.