Discovering Life for Ourselves
For many the basic assumption about intergenerational interaction is that it involves the passing down of rules, traditions, and codes by which you should live from generation to generation. This assumption does not consider the fact that we are unique individuals who have the capacity to discover life for ourselves. Each generation faces a changing world within which they must establish themselves with new eyes and new minds. Much is learnt and understood through conversations which allow the free flow of questions, of inquiry, and of insight: and, I would suggest, it is essential that these conversations or dialogues are intergenerational.
It is the way that we come together as generations, our value of each other and the diversity that exists, not just across ages but also beyond everything that divides us. It is the respect and willingness to listen, to observe each other and ourselves that creates a different culture through which we can communicate.
Intergenerational conversations open up worlds of understanding across time.
Conversation and dialogue forms the ground from which we learn together. The most human of activities. Informality, openness, genuine affection and humour form the culture through we communicate most effectively.
It is a culture which recognises the worth of every individual and therefore the absolute necessity of being aware of how we treat each other – developing care, consideration and compassion.
What is so special about intergenerational learning?
It is that there is the potential to understand and experience the passage of time, the movement of life and the meaning of death.
