Our Focus

The Eisner Foundation is the only U.S. foundation exclusively focused on intergenerational solutions to society’s problems.

Intergenerational programs help combat age segregation, which is detrimental to our society. Without regular interaction with older or younger generations outside family, ageism creates an us-versus-them mentality that prevents us from uniting around shared goals and an integrated community.

These programs are beneficial to all parties involved. Older adults, especially those who are retired, are often viewed as “finished.” Intergenerational programs instead capitalize on their skills and lifetime of experience. Putting these skills to work for the next generation gives these adults a sense of purpose, which is linked to better health and longevity. For children and youth, having a stable, caring adult in their lives is linked to better educational and behavioral outcomes.

Intergenerational programs typically leverage the time and talents of older adults on behalf of children, or do the same in reverse. Today, youth and older adults are statistically most likely to suffer social isolation and depression. Intergenerational programs bring the two groups together and leverage their strengths to alleviate these problems, giving both parties a sense of purpose and well-being. This benefits not only the individuals involved, but everyone around them – families, schools, and communities. Intergenerational programs can reverse many of the social problems age segregation has wrought.

To learn more about intergenerational solutions and the programs The Eisner Foundation supports, read our blog here, watch grantee spotlight videos here, and read the latest research here.