New Book: A book exploring ways of thinking about, planning and designing intergenerationally enriched environments is available for purchase. The work is a collaboration that includes Matt Kaplan, professor of intergenerational programs and aging in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

The new book, “Intergenerational Contact Zones: Place-based Strategies for Promoting Social Inclusion and Belonging,” was co-edited by Kaplan, Leng Leng Thang, of the National University of Singapore, Mariano Sánchez, of the University of Granada, Spain, and Jaco Hoffman, of North-West University, South Africa.

“The benefits of intergenerational programs for buffering against the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness are well documented,” Kaplan said. “But we also want to encourage the creation of community settings that serve as spatial focal points — intergenerational contact zones — for increasing opportunities for social connections in communities.”

Research has shown, time and again, the relationship between social isolation and poor physical and mental health, especially for the most vulnerable — children and older adults.

While social scientists have focused on the role of social programs for encouraging interaction and mutual support among these groups, not much attention has been given to the role of the physical environment in inspiring and sustaining these social connections.

Each of the book’s 25 chapters features a real-life example of an innovative project or plan for fostering social inclusion and elevating the quality of life for those involved. These projects take place in diverse settings, including schools, urban parks, libraries, rooftops, senior housing complexes and community gardens in the U.S. and abroad.

Using forests as a place to bring generations together is the focus of a chapter co-written by Kaplan and Sanford Smith, teaching professor of forest resources at Penn State. In it, they discuss using historical interpretation through reenacting, sometimes referred to as “living history,” for building the interest, knowledge and engagement of children and youth in forest landscapes.

More information about “Intergenerational Contact Zones: Place-based Strategies for Promoting Social Inclusion and Belonging” is available online at https://www.routledge.com/Intergenerational-Contact-Zones-Place-based-Strategies-for-Promoting-Social/Kaplan-Thang-Hoffman-Sanchez/p/book/9780367189037.