Elder Affairs Marks Florida Intergenerational Week

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs recognizes December 1-7 as Florida Intergenerational Week and encourages Floridians to learn more about volunteer opportunities throughout the state linking seniors and youth.

Intergenerational Week highlights the importance of developing and maintaining healthy relationships across generations.

The occasion promotes the principle that intergenerational activities let Floridians of all ages connect with one another to develop a greater understanding of life experiences and a deeper respect for other generations. For Florida’s large population of elders, the intergenerational transfer of values can be just as important as leaving their children and grandchildren an inheritance.

”Intergenerational programs and activities build a greater understanding between young people and older Floridians, promoting an appreciation for the things people of different ages can share with one another,” said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary E. Douglas Beach. “Florida seniors remain a vibrant part of their communities and are a potent economic force, and their life lessons can play an important role in shaping the future of younger generations.”

As part of Intergenerational Week, the Department is promoting the Legacy Project, a nationwide initiative that connects the past, present and future in meaningful ways for all ages.

Each year the Legacy Project hosts an essay contest to explore and celebrate the personal histories, heritages, traditions, memories, values and life lessons passed from generation to generation, and to encourage close relationships among generations.

More information on the initiative and essay contest is available at www.legacyproject.org.

The Department of Elder Affairs serves as a resource for communities throughout Florida, working to create local programs and services that cross generational boundaries.

The Communities for a Lifetime initiative plays a large role in promoting an intergenerational focus at the local level by encouraging local officials and community leaders to consider the needs of all residents in areas such as housing, transportation, employment, volunteerism, health and wellness.

The initiative provides inspiration and technical support to cities, towns and counties to develop and maintain intergenerational programs that benefit each community.

For more information on volunteer and intergenerational programs, activities and initiatives or the Communities for a Lifetime initiative, contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at 850-414-2000 or visit http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us.

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