As we get older, we tend to excel in leadership and problem-solving abilities. For our communities to capitalize on these desired skills and abilities, we need to create opportunities for us to have meaningful opportunities to lead and collaborate with one another. Effective community leadership and intergenerational partnerships increase cooperation and exchange between people of different generations. This is one step towards allowing us to stay involved and connected as we get older. Everyone wants to feel valued. Intergenerational activities are a great way for young and older adults to learn from one another, respect what each has to offer, and at the same time feel good about themselves.

A community that intentionally engages people of all ages in civic, educational, social, and other activities develops community capacity and can improve outcomes for all community residents, particularly vulnerable children, families, and older adults. For example, we can create programs that bring together older people and preschool children in community centers. These intergenerational community programs allow older people to engage and contribute to our communities. This mutually benefits the members of our communities, regardless of age (Frameworks Institute, 2017). Community leadership and intergenerational collaboration characteristics of aging-friendly communities include: 

• Local leadership strives to promote interaction and collaboration between all generations
• Local leadership understands that universal design concepts not only aid a specific demographic but society as a whole
• Local government acts as an advocate and catalyst for developing partnerships, new programs, and systems to aid and engage older adults
• Local leadership actively harnesses the talent, wisdom, and experience of older adults to contribute to the community at large

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