E10 – Building Intergenerational Wellness: Designing Intergenerational Communities that Foster Connection, Purpose, and Well-Being

Senior living communities have traditionally been designed as age-segregated environments despite growing evidence that meaningful intergenerational relationships support physical health, cognitive vitality, purpose, and social well-being. As communities seek to address loneliness, workforce shortages, and changing consumer expectations, developers, designers, and operators are increasingly exploring intergenerational models that connect older adults with children, students, families, educators, and the broader community. Yet many initiatives remain programmatic rather than embedded within the physical and operational framework of the community. Drawing from case studies this session explores how design, planning, programming, and partnerships can work together to create social infrastructure that supports meaningful interaction across generations. Participants will examine the role of mixed-use planning, educational partnerships, shared amenities, wellness ecosystems, and operational alignment in creating environments that foster connection, belonging, and purpose. Attendees will leave with practical planning strategies and an Intergenerational Wellness Framework applicable to new development, adaptive reuse, and existing communities.