Abstract
This study consisted of an exploration of professionals’ knowledge and perspectives on the significance of intergenerational interactions for empowerment. The study involved 32 helping professionals selected through a non-random purposive sampling method, from these working with youth, older adults or both in Sacramento County. Themes from the literature review on social and emotional empowerment as well as insights from current programs were juxtaposed, with the scope and nature of intergenerational activities. Both populations were assessed and the findings indicated that one third of respondents work with both youth and older adults, and one fifth work with older adults exclusively whereas majority of them work with youth. Majority of the (54%) respondents strongly agreed that intergenerational programs were beneficial, 48% agreed such programs positively influenced clients’ social development and, 51% strongly agreed that intergenerational programs have an influence on emotional development. In addition, the study findings indicated that barriers to clients participation in programs, were identified by nearly half of the respondents as lack of family support, ethnicity and resource constraints. Surprisingly, the helping professionals identified depression and social isolation as issues affecting the older population that they work with. Moat importantly, of the agencies surveyed only 53% currently have an intergenerational program. The results suggest an overall agreement that both youth and older adults benefit and experience positive social and emotional empowerment through intergenerational programs. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.