Bridging Generations for Health and Social Cohesion: A Community-Based Intergenerational Model From Rural India

India’s rapidly aging population and the decline of joint family systems have increased social isolation among older adults while weakening intergenerational ties. This brief report describes Sahjeevan-Chaitanya Natyanche (Celebrating Generations), a community-based intergenerational program implemented across 18 villages (population ~31,000) in rural Maharashtra. Using a cascade training model, the program engaged key trainers, master trainers, and peer trainers to promote intergenerational dialogue, adolescent life skills, and elderly self-care. A mixed-method baseline-endline evaluation design was employed, including stratified random sampling and standardized tools such as the WHO-QOL BREF, Social Capital Scale, and Loyola Generativity Scale, complemented by qualitative methods. Findings suggested increases in elders’ self-perceived usefulness, social connectedness, and reported intergenerational engagement. The implementation experience highlights the feasibility of low-cost, locally adapted intergenerational programs in resource-limited rural settings. Integration of such approaches within existing community and primary healthcare systems warrants further systematic evaluation.