Peter Uhlenberg, PhD
Jenifer Hamil-Luker, MA
Department of Sociology,
University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Towards the end of life, many older people experience physical decline that forces them to depend upon others for care. This loss of independence, never an easy life transition, is often made more difficult by the limited opportunities that those in long-term care (LTC) have for interacting with other people. Yet, as all sensitive medical professionals know, older adults in LTC, like people at every other stage of life, need meaningful social relationships in order to thrive. Thus, it is unfortunate that long-term care institutions tend to be highly age-segregated, providing few chances for older residents to develop and enjoy friendships with children and young people. It is not necessary, however, that social isolation and age segregation be the common experience of those in LTC. This article reports on efforts to promote intergenerational relationships in LTC, the potential benefits of greater age integration, and research findings of what conditions facilitate positive outcomes from exchanges between children and older adults in LTC.

Benefits of Age Integration
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and day care providers are increasingly bringing the young and old together on a regular, formally planned basis to build enduring, mutually beneficial relationships.