Why is inter-generationality important?
The capacity for connectedness and involvement across generations was seen as a vital component of Deep Health. People we intreviewed wanted to create an environment where younger people have a strong voice, and a leading role in the co-evolution of Deep Health.
Time for collaboration
People linked the collective distress about human and planetary health to an urgency for action, 'This is putting incredible pressure on the young generation who won’t have the luxury to wait'. Young people interviewed shared the desire for inter-generational collaboration.'What do we learn from the young people around us, how do they see the world - as we do not see it the same way as them. We have to be able to listen to each other and work together.'
Technology - the power to unite or divide
The rapidly acquired technology 'savvy' of a younger generation can also create a sense of exclusion and redundancy for older people. It was noted that 'those who have the technological mastery do not always have the maturity that the older ones have… inviting trans-generationality, which pushes towards an exchange between the generations.'
Learning together
There are also different approaches to life and adversity across generations that has been respected and integrated in many First Nations cultures. 'It is interesting to have people from different generations because depending on the age we see the problems differently. This calls for dialogue and exchange in an inter-disciplinary atmosphere.'
