In an effort to bring old and young together, many child care facilities and senior citizen housing centers have developed intergenerational programs. These programs would recruit and train older adults to serve as child care providers. Intergenerational programs can take many forms. Whether in a formal or informal setting, bringing the generations together benefits everyone. National issues that affect both older adults and children Approximately 25 percent of the American population is 50 years of age or older, and this percentage is increasing.
Older adults represent every economic level.
Although 85 percent of those over age 65 have adequate incomes, poverty is a fact of life for many elderly. Many elders are concerned about their communities and take action as shown by the high percentages of people over 50 years of age who vote and volunteer. Values may be different and ways of living day to day have altered due to economic or societal demands. We are a mobile society. Many older adults do not live close to their adult children or grandchildren.