In their recent report, the Little Brothers of the Poor analyze the nature of the links between generations and their construction mechanisms.
The demographic transition of our society is leading to a change in the age pyramid and an increase in the isolation of the elderly. In France, there are more people over 60 than those under 20.
The Little Brothers of the Poor clearly show in their eighth report how the links between generations are changing, and how a real desire exists, among young people and among the elderly, to create and maintain these links between them.
“Young and old people are not indifferent to the ties that unite them. What emerges from this report is rather the fear of not being of interest to the other, which seems to parasitize the construction of relationships.”
In this report, the Little Brothers of the Poor propose 10 points for reflection:
“Family remains a pillar of links between generations. Despite this, a quarter of older people see their children and grandchildren less than before, and more than one in two young people aged 18-30 see their grandparents less than before. Geographical distance and for the youngest, gaining independence are the major causes of the decline in intergenerational intra-family relations, 56% of 18-30 year olds believe they do not see their grandparents enough.
Work, neighborhood and associations are the opportunities to meet other generations, outside one’s family, but they diminish the greater the age gap; The wider the age gap, the more difficult friendships are to maintain, especially for young people. 52% of those aged 18-30 and over want more connections with older people. 44% of those aged 60 and over are so towards young people. The links between generations weaken more for people in old age.
Young and old alike, the precariousness is a factor in weakening relations between generations. 85% of those aged 60 and over and 82% of those aged 18-30 favor staying at home to facilitate relations between generations.
Volunteering, youth awareness and actionspromoting meetings, are recommended by those aged 60 and over, and by those aged 18-30 to maintain links between generations.”
To encourage or maintain meetings between generations, the Petits Frères des Pauvres propose in particular to prioritize intergenerational actions in favor of the oldest, but also of the most precarious, young and old alike, or even to carry out an awareness policy in schools on aging. , and the fight against ageism.
Season 2 of the Little Brothers of the Poor podcast, Not even dead! explores the issue of ageism in 5 episodes.