Hope for All Ages: Why intergenerational mixing matters more than ever

At The Together Project, we’ve always believed that bringing generations together makes life better for everyone. A new report from United for All Ages: Hope for All Ages: Fifty ways to leave the world a better place by 2050, shows just how vital our work is.

The paper is full of big ideas and bold hopes, but one message shines through: mixing matters. Britain has become one of the most age-segregated countries in the world, with younger and older people living apart, often with fewer opportunities to connect. The consequences? Loneliness, poor health, weaker communities, and a sense of hopelessness about the future.

The good news?

We can change it. And intergenerational connection is right at the heart of the solution. The report imagines a 2050 where:

• Every care provider links with a nursery, school or early years setting.

• Care homes act as community hubs, alive with conversation and creativity.

• Children grow up seeing older people as visible, valued and vital.

• Belonging is built into how our neighbourhoods, schools, and workplaces function.

This is the world we’re building, one joyful moment at a time. Songs & Smiles sessions bring babies, toddlers, parents and older residents together through music and laughter. Crafting Connections friendships bridge care homes and family homes through creativity. Each connection may feel small, but together they add up to real change.

The report calls for bold action from government and communities. We couldn’t agree more. But we also know the power of small steps. Every parent/guardian who brings their child to a session, every resident who joins a sing-along, every care home that opens its doors, every funder who invests, they’re all helping to turn hope into reality.

Because a future where we belong to each other isn’t just a dream for 2050. It’s something we can sing, craft and share into existence right now.

Discover more about our programmes and be part of the movement for a world where generations thrive, together.