The intergenerational movement is seen as an appropriate counter to the breakdown of the extended family and the loss of shared responsibilities and functions. If grandparenthood is understood as a promotion from primary parenting, older adults can contribute invaluably to children's understanding of lifestage limitations and the importance of…

The potential interface between human development theories and intergenerational programing is explored. Erik Erikson's division of adult development into young, middle, and later adulthood, and Butler and Lewis'"characteristics of older people," are considered. Older people can offer help and encouragement to youth while themselves…