Growing up, I often heard the phrase “keep livin’ ” from Black elders—a simple yet profound reminder that some of life’s deepest lessons are best learned through experience. I remember finding it frustrating at times, hoping they’d just tell me exactly what I needed to know. But as I matured, I began to understand their approach; they knew that life would be my greatest teacher—an intergenerational lesson that has made a lasting impact on my aging experience and consistently proves to be true.
Within my family, this intergenerational wisdom wasn’t just spoken—it was embodied in how we connected, uplifted each other, and kept our traditions alive. Our gatherings were always filled with storytelling, laughter and an unspoken bond that reminded each of us we were part of something larger. It wasn’t until I matured that I truly saw the depth of our elders' influence and the power of intergenerational connection.
Navigating Change Together
“We’re getting older, and it’s time for the younger people to step up,” elders in my family often say when we gather. While it’s said with love, it also sheds light on the reality of our family dynamics and invites younger generations to take on family roles and learn from those who came before us. Aging comes with change. As my family has grown and faced significant changes, including loss and health challenges, we’ve come to see the importance of passing the torch. It’s not that our elders no longer contribute; rather, we’re learning from them while carrying forward their legacies.
Intergenerational connections show that everyone can make a meaningful contribution and that each person brings a fresh perspective.
This truth became clear last year during the Peoples’ Family Reunion in North Carolina. As we gathered for a family photo, the image captured more than faces; it held the essence of our many generations, each carrying its unique stories, challenges and traditions. That day, I saw our elders beam with pride as they recognized the younger generation’s accomplishments. From the soul train line—what’s a Black family reunion without one?—to cooking, music and other engaging activities, I witnessed firsthand how the older generations passed the torch while providing invaluable guidance. It was intergenerational connection at its finest.
Three Benefits of Intergenerational Connections
Reflecting on my family’s experiences has shown me how intergenerational bonds benefit not only families but entire communities. Generations United, an organization focused on fostering these connections, highlights that intergenerational bonds lower rates of depression, increase empathy, and reduce ageism. These bonds don’t require us to look far; they often appear in our families, workplaces and communities.
Intergenerational connections show that everyone can make a meaningful contribution and demonstrate that each person, no matter their age, brings a fresh perspective. These types of connections manifest in multiple ways:
Shared Wisdom: They provide a space for individuals to share unique knowledge, skills and perspectives. Wisdom isn’t limited to age but grows through experience, allowing older and younger individuals to share and learn from one another.
Sense of Belonging: They foster a sense of community by honoring each person’s role, which nurtures identity and belonging.
Mutual Growth and Empowerment: Each generation has something valuable to offer. Younger and older individuals gain confidence, learn, and grow together, recognizing their importance in a society that doesn’t always value each age group equally.
As Nic Westrate, PhD, noted, “Creating spaces for multigenerational connection is particularly important in marginalized communities because passing down wisdom can help people navigate life at the margins of society.” In Black communities, the insights and guidance from elders serve not just as a source of personal growth but as tools for resilience and strength. Through shared stories and hard-earned lessons, younger generations gain a roadmap for moving forward in a world that may not always feel welcoming.
It Takes a Village: Celebrating Intergenerational Bonds
In Black communities, “it takes a village” is more than a saying—it’s a way of life, with elders passing down knowledge that shapes us as individuals and as a collective. This phrase isn’t just about raising children; it’s about supporting each other through every stage of life, knowing we’re stronger together than we are divided.
In the spirit of “keep livin,’ ” I’ve come to appreciate that life’s greatest lessons aren’t delivered all at once. They reveal themselves gradually, through shared moments and stories that flow across generations. It’s not about elders spelling everything out but about them being there—ready to listen, share, and encourage us to let life unfold. Intergenerational connections aren’t only about passing down knowledge; they’re about building trust in each person’s journey.
Through these bonds, I’ve learned that while life brings its share of challenges, the presence of those who have “kept livin’ ” before me reminds me I’m never alone. This quiet encouragement, this subtle guidance, keeps us all moving forward together. Life continues to be our greatest teacher, offering its wisdom one experience at a time, shared between generations, if we’re open to receiving it.
Let’s commit to nurturing these invaluable connections and creating spaces for Black elders and younger generations to share, grow, and thrive together.
Christina Peoples, MS, is a gerontologist who started the platform Gero-What? as an educational resource, providing insights to individuals seeking knowledge about aging.
Photo caption: The Peoples family reunion. Christina is pictured immediately to the right of the older man in a light blue checked shirt.
Photo credit: Courtesy Christina Peoples
