Intergenerational Interaction and Walking: Toward Social Sustainability in Communities for Older Adults

Loneliness and social isolation among older adults pose significant challenges for social sustainability. Intergenerational interaction is a key to promoting social well-being and fostering inclusive communities. Using binary logistic regression and structural equation modeling, this study investigates how neighborhood environments, transportation and recreational walking, and intergenerational interactions, defined as social engagement with children, differ among 871 older adults in intergenerational ( n = 436) vs. age-targeted ( n = 435) communities in central Texas. Results highlight that accessible “third places”, including streets and sidewalks, churches, and restaurants, were important for supporting intergenerational interactions, with substantially higher levels of such interactions in these places among older adults from intergenerational communities. Employment status moderated the relationship between community types and intergenerational interactions. Across both community types, recreational walking emerged as a significant, positive predictor for intergenerational interactions. Modifiable neighborhood features, particularly the presence of benches along sidewalks, were positively associated with recreational walking, which in turn predicted intergenerational interactions. While age-targeted communities may offer high neighborhood satisfaction and livability, they provide fewer opportunities for routine contact with younger generations. Findings underscore the importance of walkable, inclusive communities and intentional intergenerational programming in promoting intergenerational interaction among older adults, contributing to social sustainability and healthy aging in place.