By N.J. Pierce (Boomer) & Aysha Emmerson (Zoomer)
Abstract
This paper is a resource for individuals and communities seeking to embrace and accelerate intergenerational collaboration. We build the case for higher education institutions to undertake “cogeneration” initiatives and to adapt to changing ideas about work and the shifting educational landscape. We describe the status quo of age silos, ageism, and an aging population as well as promising intergenerational practices that have been developed in response—providing new language to understand current divisions and the way forward. By identifying methods for
augmenting and accelerating intergenerational practices, we offer a path forward. While findings and recommendations focus on American higher education institutions and related organizations, we believe the findings and recommendations can be applied more broadly.