E. Percil Stanford, Ph.D., Professor of Gerontology and Director of the University Center on Aging, San Diego State University

I think that we don't look deeply enough that the intergenerational responsibilities because I think we've moved away from the notion of supportive generations. We need to, in some way, make it OK for people to feel that they have some responsibility.

"We don't look deeply enough into intergenerational responsibilities"

When family resources are limited, people depend on each other more, rather than outside supportive services. And there's a tendency in communities where the economic level is not mid- or upper-level to depend more on each other and the people's resources rather than other kind of formal resources. So I think the issue becomes how do people react, how do people respond when they must depend on their own innermost selves and resources.

One way to promote local resources is the whole business of having community intermediaries between trained professionals and caregivers, making known what services are available the best ways to utilize them.

Issues that Matter | Caregiving Professionals Forum