Action Center    Guiding Principles

An intergenerational approach to framing public policy issues is based on the understanding that interdependence and reciprocity characterize the relationship between the generations.  Policy issues are examined by looking at the impact across the entire life span.  Policies that are supportive of the long-term welfare of any age groups must build on the common concerns of all generations.  Generations share basic needs.  People of all ages need adequate income, access to quality health care and social services, educational and employment opportunities, and a safe place to live.

Policies that impact older adults and children should be appraised in terms of the likely impact on the whole of society and on multigenerational interactions.  GU recognizes a public policy issue as intergenerational when it either:

• Incorporates an intergenerational approach to addressing an issue, or
  
• Has an impact across the generations.

In particular, examining public policy issues using an intergenerational approach means asking questions such as:

• Are people of all ages being viewed as a resource?
• Does the policy promote the interdependence of the generations?
• Is the policy sensitive to intergenerational family structures, e.g. grandparents who are raising grandchildren?
• Does the policy encourage intergenerational transfers through shared care or services?

The answers to these questions help frame Generations United's Public Policy Agenda.

TOP