Reversing Age Segregation

Why the generations need to be together.

Over the past hundred years, our society has begun to separate families and segregate age groups more and more. Age-graded public education, the movement from extended to nuclear family, and the prevalence of retirement and nursing homes for older persons and preschools for the young have contributed to a widespread segregation of young and old.

Churches have been among the few places where families, singles, couples, children, teens, grandparents—all generations—can come together on a regular interactive basis. Yet, the societal trend toward age segregation has entered churches also. Age-based classes for children and adults, teen programs, and separate worship services for adults and children tend to separate family members and age groups from each other, so that many people experience their faith as age-segregated throughout their lives. Keep reading