Fostering intergenerational solidarity is a powerful way to bring together diverse perspectives and collaborate on addressing the challenges of our time.
On 29 April 2025, we celebrate the 16th European Day of Solidarity between Generations, a day that highlights the vital role that intergenerational connections play in building a sustainable future for all ages.
Initiated by AGE, this day raises awareness about the positive effects of bridging different age groups. This year is especially important, as new intergenerational initiatives are being launched at the EU level with a special focus on the preparation of the Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, an initiative led by Commissioner Glenn Micallef. AGE and its members are actively advocating for the importance of connecting generations as a key step in combating ageism.
Uniting Generations: AGE Campaign Involves Members
For this year’s campaign, we showcase AGE members joining forces with different generations in a visual campaign that highlights the importance of connecting across different age groups.
This demonstrates that people of all ages share common goals, such as:
- Quality and accessible healthcare
- Accessible housing
- Gender equality
- Combating ageism
- Plus much more!
- Barbara Salerno & Cristina Cortesi
AGE Italian Member – Curopoli
- Pierre-Olivier Lefebvre & Anton Martin
AGE French Member – Réseau Francophone des Villes Amies des Aînés (RFVAA)
- Jef & Mélery
AGE Belgian Member – Entr’âges
- Josefien Talakua-Nanlohy and her younger sister Christine Nanlohy
AGE Member – Older Women’s Network Europe
AGE Member Testimonies
AGE members highlighted the importance of this day and the value of intergenerational connections by answering the question: “Can you recall a moment when connecting with another generation made a difference in your life?”
"When I was young, an older mentor shared his experience with me at a time when I felt lost. His words gave me clarity and confidence. Years later, listening to someone younger with their own doubts, I realized that the cycle was repeating itself: what we receive from other generations, sooner or later, we give back. That connection taught me that intergenerational solidarity is not just support, but an invisible bond that unites us and gives us meaning."
"Intergenerational encounters have shaped my journey and enriched my life as a woman. My grandmother, a courageous immigrant, taught me to balance work and family. A kind neighbor guided my career, while exchanges with older people broadened my perspective and deepened my reflections. These connections are vital. Younger generations gain wisdom, while older ones find renewed energy. The household employment model I advocate embodies this solidarity, allowing you to choose the right person—young or old—to meet your needs. More than management, it’s a human choice that fosters support and connection."
"I am Catia, and since the end of January, our Centre has been implementing the project "Step by Step... Walking Together." The project involves young people, older adults, and people with disabilities from the area, engaging them in recreational and leisure activities. For example, we use music and dance as a universal and socialising language. Through these activities, we aim to address youth distress, combat involuntary loneliness, and foster the creation of prevention networks through relationships with families and local services."
"For sure, more than a moment ! Throughout my life, especially my adult life, my uncle with whom we have almost 2 generations difference ! In every important step of my life, he’s the person apart from my parents, to whom I would and continue to turn to ask advice, guidance, love and support. He is the person who helped me at critical points to take very important decisions, and pushed me forward in a moment I was hesitant about a significant next step in my life. Very lucky to have him, to be my uncle, my friend, my advisor, my guardian angel."
“Respect Seniors takes part in Intergenerational Week, an initiative promoted by the organisation Entr’âge. Last year, one of the highlights was an intergenerational gathering themed ‘The Passing of Time’.
Here are some testimonials from participants:
- Louise, 13 years old: “I thought older people hated us because they thought we were always on our iPhones.”
- Emma, 83 years old: “I’m happy to have heard the youth; they were genuine and spoke from the heart.”
- Alix, 13 years old: “It’s cool that you’re open and understand our generation.”
- Johanna, 80 years old: “I sensed a lot of anxiety in the youth’s words. Shall we meet again?”
- Thaïs, 14 years old: “I thought the activity wouldn’t go well, but it went smoothly. It was great sharing with you.”
These positive feedbacks encourage us to continue these activities yearly. Intergenerational encounters educate both younger and older participants about each other’s generations, helping to combat stereotypes.”
Respect Seniors (Belgium)
AGE Member Intergenerational Initiatives
- Intergenerational Week 2025 by Entr’âges: Building Bridges Between Generations
- Connecting Generations: ANCeSCAO A.P.S. Builds Solidarity Across Ages
- Respect Seniors Promotes Intergenerational Solidarity in Belgium
- AGE Irish Member Active Retirement Ireland Represents AGE Platform Europe at Global Intergenerational Week
Videos
To mark this day, Commissioner Glenn Micallef – the EU’s first-ever Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport – shared a special message for every generation, highlighting how intergenerational connections are vital for building a sustainable future for all ages.
Members of the European Parliament, Idoia Mendia and Michał Szczerba, co-chairs of the Interest Group ‘Europe for All Ages’, shared a video highlighting the importance of intergenerational connections in building a society for all ages.
Key highlights from 2025 on Intergenerational Solidarity:
- The European Union now has its first ever Commissioner dedicated to Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport – Glenn Micallef. His top priority is to prepare a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness that ‘takes fully into consideration the impact of today’s decisions on future generations, and seeks feedback from all age groups.’ AGE is already working with its members to ensure that the realities of older people’s lives are well represented in this strategy.
- We will dedicate our Annual Conference on Intergenerational Solidarity in Europe to contribute to the Intergenerational Fairness Strategy. The event will take place on 17 June 2025, from 09:30 to 13:00 (CET). It will focus on discussing the common goals and issues shared by both younger and older generations. Register to participate online.
- The Interest Group ‘Europe for All Ages’ kicked off its work, currently engaging around 30 Members of the European Parliament. The group addresses key issues including ageing, longevity, healthy ageing, older persons’ rights, social inclusion, and intergenerational solidarity – with the active involvement of AGE Platform Europe.
Join the Movement!
As we celebrate the European Day of Solidarity between Generations on 29th April, let us recognise the richness of our diversity and seize the opportunity to learn from one another. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous Europe for all ages.
Amplify our message using the hashtag #SolidarityBetweenGenerations on:
LinkedIn – Facebook – BlueSky
