“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” — George Orwell

We often think of friendships as a peer-to-peer experience. High school friends. College roommates. Colleagues turned confidants. But there’s a rich, often overlooked category of connection that’s not just meaningful—it may be one of the keys to living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life: intergenerational friendships.

Friendships across age groups bring fresh perspective, deeper empathy, and more expansive worldviews. But they also offer something surprising: better health and longevity. According to research from the Stanford Center on Longevity, intergenerational relationships improve mental sharpness, emotional well-being, and life satisfaction—especially among older adults who stay socially engaged (Stanford Center on Longevity).

Younger generations benefit just as much. These connections provide wisdom, mentorship, and a counterbalance to the “figure it all out now” pressure so many younger people feel.

In a society often divided by age, choosing to form friendships across generations is more than refreshing—it’s revolutionary.

1. The Science of Cross-Generational Connection

A 2021 study published in Innovation in Aging found that older adults who formed meaningful friendships with younger people experienced reduced loneliness, increased purpose, and even improved memory (Oxford Academic). These relationships challenge ageist stereotypes, reduce social isolation, and promote what researchers call “generativity”—the desire to give back and invest in the future.

For younger adults, the benefits include mentorship, emotional regulation, and a grounded sense of identity during major life transitions.

Action Step: Ask yourself: Who do I regularly talk to who’s at least 20 years older or younger than me? If the answer is “no one,” it’s time to seek those connections intentionally.

2. Make the First Move

Most people aren’t opposed to connecting across generations—they just don’t know where to start. Break the ice by asking questions, offering support, or simply showing curiosity.

Whether it’s inviting a younger coworker for coffee or volunteering to mentor someone starting out in your industry, relationships can begin with a simple act of presence and interest.

Tool Tip: Try platforms like:

• Big & Mini (https://bigandmini.org) – Connects young adults with older adults for meaningful conversation.
• Encore.org’s Gen2Gen (https://encore.org) – A movement building intergenerational purpose-focused communities.

Action Step: Commit to reaching out to one person outside your generation this week. Ask them to share something they’ve recently learned—or wish more people knew.

3. Let Curiosity Lead the Way

The best friendships are built on mutual respect, not roles. In intergenerational relationships, this means letting go of the need to be the “teacher” or the “learner.” Instead, be both.

What can a 22-year-old teach a 72-year-old? Tech skills. Cultural insights. Boldness. What can a 72-year-old offer a 22-year-old? Wisdom. Pattern recognition. Perspective.

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” — Bill Nye

That’s never truer than when generations connect.

Action Step: Make it a habit to ask: What’s something you’re excited about right now? This question sparks curiosity and levels the playing field.

4. Share Experiences, Not Just Advice

Cross-generational friendships thrive when built on shared experiences, not just talk. Cook together. Attend events. Start a book club. Explore a new tech tool. Try yoga, gardening, or volunteering as a team.

The goal isn’t to “bridge the gap.” It’s to live within it—and find joy in the unique blend of perspectives.

Check out:

Action Step: Invite someone from a different generation to do something new—with no agenda other than connection.

5. Break the Stereotypes

Ageism goes both ways. Older adults are often seen as out of touch. Young people are written off as entitled. Intergenerational friendships challenge those myths. They prove that growth, humor, ambition, and kindness don’t belong to any one generation.

A survey from AARP found that people involved in intergenerational programs felt more empathy, more optimism, and more respect for those outside their age group (AARP Survey).

Action Step: Share a story on social media or in conversation about an intergenerational friendship that inspired you. Model what it looks like to value people of all ages.

“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” But when we listen, learn, and laugh across generations, we discover something deeper: we’re all still learning how to live well—together.

So—who’s one person from another generation that you’d love to connect more deeply with? What could you share, and what might you discover?

Join the conversation in theAge Brilliantly Forum and tell us: how are you building friendships across generations—and what have they taught you about living a brilliant life?