baby grandparent
Parents taking their children to the classes say they are uplifting
Britain is one of the most generationally segregated countries in the world and must take action to end "age apartheid", a new report has said.

A report by the think tank United for All Ages has highlighted 20 ways the UK must act to tackle the divisions facing younger and older people. One of the ideas mentioned in the report is the Together Project, which runs baby and toddler music classes in residential care homes.

At the George Mason Lodge in east London, residents relish their "Songs and Smiles" sing-a-long sessions with local under-fours.

"The first night I came here I cried all night. Not with sad tears but with absolute happiness," resident Kathleen Lane explained.

Parents bringing their children to the classes agree they are uplifting and mutually beneficial.

Emily, mum to Nancy, said: "She doesn't see her own grandparents or great grandparents that much, and we tend to hang out with our baby groups so it's lovely to get out and meet other people."
children visit elderly
© Sky NewsThe Together Project runs baby and toddler classes in care homes
The Together Project founder Louise Goulden, said:
"I feel as a society we have a duty. If older people can't get out as easily, we the community should go to them.

"The music classes are a starting point, but we could use care homes as a community hub, running book clubs, or even services like libraries or community post offices."
The report called Together in the 2020s says Britain is one of the most age segregated countries in the world, with many people having little contact with other generations outside their families. It says bridging the gap between generations can help with social problems like loneliness, ageism, health and housing.

It sets out ways to help bridge the gap between generations.

These include encouraging more care homes to open their doors to the wider community, developing home sharing schemes for younger and older people, as well as extending school opening hours to provide community space for inter-generational activities.

Stephen Burke, Director of United for All Ages said: "Bringing Britain together is one of the biggest challenges for the new decade.

"The last decade saw huge disconnection and division. The 2020s can be different. More mixing between the generations is the way to build trust and understanding across our communities and our country."

The report also calls on the government to get involved and help back inter-generational projects.