The amount and quality of intergenerational contact varied greatly. Many elders described similar events in their families. Some of the youth recognized that they were at a distance from elders and wanted to correct it. But these youth also recognize that they are involved in greater struggles to grow up successfully, make it through school, strengthen their cultural identity, and keep up their responsibilities to their family members. Elders may play a key role in these processes, but seeking elder contact is not the primary concern.
Elders also recognize the many different challenges facing youth.
Most of our parents passed away when we were young and we were left to fend for ourselves. And we're trying to protect ourselves and our siblings. People just don't understand that. The generation gap for him means an overall lack of involvement from adults. Eric talked about his own and his brother's struggles to make it on their own.