Global Intergenerational Week 2025 Activities
Celebrating Global Intergenerational Week 2025: Events Planned Across Ireland
April 24th – 30th, 2025
DCU Age-Friendly is proud to lead the campaign in Ireland for this year’s Global Intergenerational Week (GIW), an international initiative celebrating meaningful connections between generations.
Each day of the week features a unique theme and accompanying event designed to inspire dialogue, encourage collaboration, and build community across all age groups. As part of this celebration, we have organised a series of engaging activities throughout April and May.
Day 1: Let’s Raise Intergenerational Awareness
This session featured a presentation by Ms. Alison Bough, Irish Representative to AGE Platform Europe and Policy and Programmes Manager with Active Retirement Ireland. She explored the importance of intergenerational dialogue, shared best practices from across Europe, and highlighted the European Commission’s commitment to intergenerational solidarity in policymaking. The session provided valuable insights into how policy can support stronger intergenerational connections.
In addition, DCU Age-Friendly is pleased to highlight the work of Foroige and Alzheimer Society of Ireland through their Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation initiative. This educational programme empowers young people to learn about brain health, reduce stigma, and promote inclusive, dementia-aware communities. As an official Gaisce Challenge Partner, the programme fosters empathy and understanding between generations, supporting the GIW theme of awareness and mutual respect.
Day 2: Let’s Challenge Ageism
Intergenerational Paint Along with Mary McCarthy
This creative workshop invites participants to attend in pairs—an older person and a younger family member or friend (aged 9+). Under the guidance of artist and AFU participant Mary McCarthy, pairs will paint either “Red Lighthouse in Dublin Bay” or “A Zoo Animal” using palette knives and oil paints.
Date: Saturday, 3rd May
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Room FG22, DCU All Hallows Campus
Registration: Click here to register
Day 3: Let’s Challenge Social Isolation and Loneliness
Tea Time Dance Night
In partnership with Localise Youth Volunteering Ireland, this social evening brought together younger and older generations for an enjoyable night of music, dancing, and conversation. The event created a warm and inclusive atmosphere, helping to break down social barriers and foster meaningful connections across age groups. Watch a video of the event: View here
Buddy Bench Initiative
To encourage interaction and connection, Buddy Benches will be installed on each DCU campus. These visible, welcoming spaces will serve as a gentle invitation to sit, talk, and engage with others in the community, helping to reduce loneliness and promote a more connected campus environment.
Day 4: Let’s Celebrate Intergenerational Spaces and Communities
Intergenerational Games Night
In collaboration with Hasbro Games, this evening of board games is designed to foster fun, communication, and friendship between people of all ages. Attendees can expect a relaxed atmosphere, snacks, and plenty of laughs.
Date: Tuesday, 6th May
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Hive, U Building, DCU Glasnevin Campus
Registration: Click here to register
Day 5: Let’s Save the Planet… Together
Day 6: Let’s Develop Intergenerational Workplaces
Digital Clinic
DCU students provided one-to-one support sessions to help older adults build confidence with digital tools. The clinic covered a range of topics including smartphone and tablet use, email setup, social media, and online safety.This sessions created a supportive space for intergenerational learning and knowledge exchange, highlighting the value of collaboration between younger and older generations in today’s digital world.
Day 7: Let’s Improve Intergenerational Quality and Sustainability
Intergenerational Fairness Online Workshop
This virtual event will mark the EU Day of Intergenerational Solidarity, providing a platform for older adults and students to explore issues of fairness across generations. Topics will include climate policy, economic sustainability, and social equity. Insights from the session will be submitted to the European Commission as part of their ongoing strategy development.
Date: Monday, 29th April
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration: Click here to register
We are proud to support and promote intergenerational understanding, creativity, and collaboration as part of Global Intergenerational Week 2025. We encourage everyone to take part in these events and continue the conversation across generations.