Building Healthier Communities through Intergenerational Health Connections: A New Approach to Preventative Care in the NHS

In response to the NHS’s urgent need for innovative preventative strategies, Intergenerational England (IE) and Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) are championing an approach called Intergenerational Health Connections. By actively bridging the generations, this model enhances traditional social prescribing with a holistic, community-centred framework that fosters connections across age groups. It aligns with the NHS Long-Term Plan’s goals of preventive, personalised care and has the potential to address health inequalities, reduce isolation, and strengthen communities. 

The Power of an Intergenerational Framework in Healthcare 

An intergenerational framework offers an innovative, impactful approach to healthcare by actively bridging gaps between and amongst generations, fostering mutual support, and harnessing the unique strengths each generation brings to their communities. This approach responds to the growing recognition, reflected in key NHS frameworks such as Dr. Claire Fuller’s Stocktake Report on Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and the NHS England Long-Term Plan, that tackling health inequalities and improving mental and physical health outcomes require creative, community-centred solutions. 

By integrating all generations into structured, intentional interactions, an intergenerational approach addresses critical health issues like loneliness, mental health challenges, and physical inactivity. This model not only strengthens personal well-being across all age groups but also nurtures a sense of purpose and belonging that is often missing in traditional, age-segregated health interventions. 

Why Intergenerational Health Matters 

The benefits of an intergenerational health framework go beyond individual wellness; they extend to creating resilient, socially cohesive communities. When generations and communities connect through shared activities—whether through mentorship, collaborative projects, or simply spending time together—each generation becomes a valuable resource for the other. This reciprocal relationship fosters empathy, builds emotional resilience, and empowers both age groups to lead healthier lives. 

The Darzi Report, which calls for a community-first model to bridge care gaps, aligns perfectly with an intergenerational framework. By positioning local, accessible health networks at the centre of care, intergenerational initiatives become a pivotal part of the solution, connecting diverse populations through preventative, person-centred support.  Ultimately, an intergenerational approach doesn’t just improve healthcare outcomes; it redefines them. By embedding social support, skill-sharing, and community building into the healthcare model, we create a pathway for enduring health benefits, supporting not only today’s patients but also future generations. 

The Need for Intergenerational Health Connections 

Loneliness and social isolation are major contributors to poor mental and physical health, especially among older adults and young people. Research shows that fostering meaningful intergenerational relationships can significantly enhance well-being and resilience. Intergenerational Health Connections provides a structured way for communities to combat these issues by connecting older and younger adults in mutually supportive relationships and activities. By creating spaces for shared engagement, this approach promotes mental health, mitigates social isolation, and provides participants with a profound sense of purpose and belonging. 

How Intergenerational Health Connections Works 

Intergenerational Health Connections brings about change by uniting people of different ages through purposeful, activity-based interactions. Each participant benefits in multiple ways: 

1. Social Engagement and Emotional Support 

Activities designed for intergenerational participation—such as mentorship, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops—allow participants to share their experiences and provide emotional support to one another. For older adults, this connection can reduce loneliness and improve mood. Young participants gain empathy and a sense of belonging, while both groups experience reduced risks associated with mental health issues and isolation. 

2. Physical Wellbeing Through Shared Activity 

Physical activities, such as community gardening, dance classes, or gentle exercise sessions, play a vital role in improving health outcomes. Older adults benefit from increased mobility and energy, while young people find motivation to stay active, building healthy routines that last. These interactions turn physical fitness into a sustainable, enjoyable practice while bridging generational gaps. 

3. Skill Sharing and Cross-Generational Learning 

Intergenerational Health Connections leverages the strengths of each age group. Older adults share life skills and practical knowledge, from knitting to gardening, while younger participants provide digital literacy training and introduce new technologies. These skill exchanges empower both generations, enhancing self-worth and broadening perspectives. Young people gain insights and real-world knowledge, and older adults feel more connected to the evolving digital world. 

Case Studies: The Impact of Intergenerational Health Connections 

Programs already launched by IE and IMM illustrate the transformative power of this approach: 

• Case Studies: The Impact of Intergenerational Health Connections 

  Programs already launched by IMM illustrate the transformative power of this approach, with dedicated hubs across London, Surrey, Manchester, and the Southwest, each addressing unique health needs through intergenerational engagement: 

• Intergenerational Youth Social Action Hubs 

  These hubs bring young people together with older adults through purposeful social action projects. By focusing on community needs, participants develop leadership skills, build resilience, and foster empathy. The result is a strengthened community fabric, where young and older generations work together to support local initiatives. 

• Early Years Family Hubs – Manchester 

  These hubs integrate families with young children into intergenerational activities, enabling children to benefit from early socialisation and mentorship while offering older adults an opportunity to engage with younger generations. This model nurtures emotional bonds, enhances developmental outcomes, and creates a valuable support network for families. 

• Dementia Hubs 

  Tailored to support individuals with dementia and their families, these hubs encourage participation in activities such as music therapy, reminiscence sessions, and creative arts. They provide a safe space for social interaction, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster connection with younger generations, promoting understanding and compassion in dementia care. 

• Cardio Health Hubs 

  Focusing on preventative heart health, these hubs facilitate gentle physical activities and wellness programs that bring people of all ages together. Through activities such as walking clubs, dance, and nutrition workshops, participants improve their physical well-being while reinforcing positive, lifelong health habits across generations. 

• Talking Generations 

  Talking Generations engages young people and older adults in shared creative labs, mentorship sessions, and community workshops. This program nurtures empathy, encourages mutual respect, and cultivates emotional resilience, empowering both age groups and promoting a proactive approach to community health. 

• Together with Music (TWM) 

  TWM connects care homes with schools and community groups through digital music-making. By building relationships through shared musical experiences, TWM has enabled 78% of participants to report improved mental well-being. Regular connection with others fosters positivity, combats loneliness, and nurtures a supportive social network. 

• LiveSmart Schemes 

  In partnership with housing associations, these schemes promote intergenerational activities within shared living spaces, increasing social cohesion. Participants have shown early signs of better mental and physical health and are less likely to need emergency healthcare services, as proactive support networks are developed within their communities. 

A Strategic Solution for Preventative and Integrated Care 

Integrating Intergenerational Health Connections within NHS pathways can be a significant step forward in preventive care. It aligns with Clare Fuller’s Stocktake Report, which calls for a shift toward preventive, community-centred healthcare. By embedding intergenerational support into social prescribing models, the NHS can create a structure that not only prevents health decline but also promotes an interconnected society, reducing healthcare costs related to loneliness and chronic illness. 

Intergenerational Health Connections is ready to support local Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), and IE and IMM are already collaborating with ICSs to scale this model. Creating community hubs for intergenerational activities and social prescribing will make it easier for people of all ages to participate, ensuring that preventive health strategies are accessible and impactful. 

Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Health System through Intergenerational Health Connections 

As the NHS pivots to emphasise preventative and community-based care, Intergenerational Health Connections offers a transformative model that promotes long-term well-being for people of all ages. By prioritising social ties, skill-sharing, and community engagement, we are not only enhancing individual health but also creating resilient, cohesive communities. Intergenerational Health Connections is not merely an initiative—it is a movement toward a healthier, more connected future where every generation plays an active role in supporting each other. 

Let’s work together to establish Intergenerational Health Connections as a cornerstone of community care in the UK. By fostering relationships across generations, we can create lasting positive change and build communities that are healthier, stronger, and truly united.