Stifled potential for social interaction among different age groups

Because of the preponderance of single unit families and the rapidity of social change, it is difficult for different age groups to come together through common experience; this is particularly true of the many elderly people who live alone and rarely interact with the young. Old people may be simply afraid of the young, who find that their natural grouping and thrills disturb their seniors. Despite manifest concern of all ages for their community, and a willingness to work to improve it, there are simply no structures which provide regular contact between all ages or provide community leadership for the youth, there is no way of acknowledging or appreciating the particular gifts of each age group, and there is no way of celebrating together.