Together Old and Young (TOY)

Intergenerational learning involves different age groups learning together or learning from each other in a range of settings. It is viewed as being important in contemporary Europe as it facilitates learning that might otherwise be diminished due to changing family structures, migration, technological changes and growing age segregation. Interest in intergenerational learning stems from new understandings of the process and participation in education and learning. This includes the notions of lifelong and lifewide learning as well as the need to respond positively to the growing separation of generations and the subsequent distance between old and young. It also can be accounted for by concerns regarding economic implications of an ageing Europe and the consequent need for greater social and economic solidarity between generations.