Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the Biennial Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference at Stockton University in New Jersey. I returned to San Diego inspired and more committed than ever to the power of intergenerational programming.
A Small Conference with a Big Impact
With approximately 150 attendees, it was one of the smaller conferences, and I would say that its size was its greatest strength. Rather than getting lost in a sea of name tags, participants engaged in real, meaningful conversation. The sessions fostered open discussion, actionable suggestions for improving programs, and a genuine sense of community among practitioners, researchers, and advocates from the community who share a deep belief: that bringing generations together makes us all stronger.
One presentation that captured this beautifully came from the Universidad de Monterrey in Mexico. Researchers shared findings from an intergenerational program pairing undergraduate psychology students with older adults, and the results were quietly profound. The younger participants came to understand the everyday hardships their elders had to navigate and grow through. They didn’t just learn about resilience in the abstract; they discovered it in the people sitting across from them, finding everyday heroes. The older adults, in turn, were overjoyed to contribute to the younger generation’s learning, gained new perspectives, and created new connections. Each group left the experience changed.
Conference planners invited college students and older adults from the community who were interested in learning more about intergenerational programming on the last day of the conference. Their presence was not ceremonial; it was intentional and provided an authentic contribution to the conversation.
Why It Matters — For All of Us
The research is clear: intergenerational programming delivers real benefits across the lifespan.
For older adults, regular connection with younger generations reduces isolation and loneliness, supports cognitive health, and renews a sense of purpose. For children and young people, relationships with older mentors build confidence, strengthen social-emotional skills, and offer a perspective that no classroom curriculum can replicate. When generations engage intentionally, both sides show up more curious, more empathetic, more connected to their community.
A Vision Rooted in Research
A central figure in the creation of this conference is Dr. Matt Kaplan, Professor of Intergenerational Programs and Aging at Penn State University. Dr. Kaplan’s decades of research and dedication to intergenerational engagement have helped shape a growing focus, one that recognizes the profound value of intentional spaces where older adults and younger generations connect, learn from one another, and thrive together.
This was only the second gathering of the Biennial Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference, yet the momentum was undeniable. With contributors and researchers from institutions including Texas A&M, the University of Chicago, Penn State, and UMass. The research and survey data presented align powerfully with the work we are doing here in San Diego, affirming that intergenerational programming is not just a feel-good initiative, but an evidence-based strategy for building healthier, more connected communities.
A Moment That Stopped Me in My Tracks
Among the many highlights of the conference, one experience truly stood out: a Dorot Storytelling Session that I had the fortune of participating in firsthand.
Wow, I was absolutely blown away!
The presenter and facilitator brought an approach so authentic, so alive with energy and purpose, that it left many of us energized and moved. Intergenerational storytelling, done well, is a powerful tool for connection, mutual understanding, and mental health, and this session proved it.
Gratitude and Partnership
None of this work happens in isolation. We are deeply grateful to the Itzkowich Family International Philanthropy for their generous partnership and unwavering commitment to advancing and advocating for intergenerational programming in our region. This partnership reflects a shared belief that investing in intergenerational connection is investing in the future of our communities.
The Future Is Intergenerational
The Mid-Atlantic Intergenerational Conference reminded me that this movement is growing in urgency, in reach, and in impact. Whether it’s storytelling circles, mentorship programs, or community gardens, intentional intergenerational spaces are changing lives.
We invite you to join us in this conversation. Visit our website to learn more about intergenerational programming and how the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation is helping build a more connected San Diego.