How Multigenerational Communities Cater to Diverse Age Groups

Do you prefer your neighbors to be just like you, or do you enjoy a mix of different ages and life experiences? If diversity is your thing, you're not alone. Multigenerational communities are sprouting up all across the U.S. and Canada. These age-inclusive environments attract people from all walks of life and offer a variety of desirable amenities and programs. The question is: how do these communities decide on the right mix of activities to suit the diverse needs and interests of their residents both now and in the future?

This article explores the challenges and defining characteristics of six key family lifecycle groups. It also highlights successful events and programs designed by community association managers, Lifestyle Directors, or specialized committees to meet the needs of their residents. An added perk is that many of these programs appeal to more than one life stage group.

Young Families

Challenges: Balancing career, childcare, and finances while maintaining their relationship.
Priorities: Quality time with children, partners, and friends, while balancing work, home, and leisure activities.
Popular community programs: Interactive activities that promote socialization, skill development, and wellness for parents and children. These can include playgroups, swim classes, stroller walks, storytelling, music and art programs, and more. Some communities also offer on-site daycare and events like Parents’ Night Out, providing much-needed downtime for caregivers.

Families with Teenagers

Challenges: Maintaining open communication, strengthening relationships, and guiding teens through friendships, online interactions, and school achievements.
Priorities: Keeping family connections strong while managing individual needs and desires.
Popular community programs: Activities targeting teens and families, such as pool parties, cookouts, concerts, athletic leagues, and adventure outings like hiking and biking. Communities can also coordinate youth mentorship programs with local organizations, enabling teens to give back through volunteering or offering technical assistance to residents.

The Sandwich Phase

Challenges: Juggling the financial and emotional demands of raising children while caring for aging parents.
Priorities: Balancing responsibilities at home and work while meeting health and social needs of family members.
Popular programs: Events for all age groups, like concerts, sports clinics, art classes, camp-outs, and cultural festivals. These gatherings promote understanding among diverse groups and can include unique offerings like golf cart parades or aquatic classes.

Launching Stage

Challenges: Transitioning to life after children leave for college, known as the "empty nest."
Priorities: Reconnecting with partners and exploring new interests with newfound leisure time.
Popular community programs: Activities for couples or individuals, including artisan food tours, kayaking, sailing, cooking classes, gardening lectures, wine and cheese parties, and book clubs.

Boomerang Families

Challenges: Handling the financial and emotional dynamics when adult children return home.
Priorities: Managing family relationships during this transitional phase.
Popular community programs: Activities for adults and families such as movie nights, singles outings, tailgating parties, arts programs, book clubs, and pet-friendly events.

Aging in Place Couples and Single Adults

Challenges: Needing connection and support in various areas while living away from family.
Priorities: Maintaining health, independence, and social connections.
Popular community programs: Activities focused on fitness, wellness, education, and the arts for all ages, including yoga, health screenings, dance, arts and crafts, and lifelong learning opportunities. Additional options like "Adopt-A-Grandparent" programs and environmental education can also foster intergenerational connections.

Crafting community activities and programs that engage residents at different life stages, and continue to appeal as they age, is both an art and a science.