Loneliness and social isolation are commonly experienced by younger (15-34) and older adults (65+) in Australia, yet intergenerational programs aimed at reducing loneliness have often focused on relationships between children and older people. Little is known about formation of intergenerational friendships from the perspectives of younger and older adults, or the impact of such friendships on healthy adult development as proposed by Erikson (1950). Intergenerational adult friendships also have the potential to impact on loneliness and social isolation.

In this study, dyad interviews were conducted with older (55+) and younger (18-35) adults to capture both friends’ perspectives of their intergenerational friendship. The interviews explored how their intergenerational friendships were formed, and the friendship’s impact on loneliness and social isolation, as well as Erikson’s stages of adult development, namely identity formation, intimacy, generativity, and integrity. Framework analysis was used to analyse the results and understand the emerging themes in relation to adult development, loneliness and social isolation. These findings provide an understanding of intergenerational friendships and how they contribute to healthy ageing, including their impact on social isolation and loneliness which are key issues for both younger and older adults. The findings may also contribute to future contact interventions with the aim of building friendships between these generations. Taken together, promoting intergenerational friendships and connections may reduce ageism and encourage positive views of ageing as a privilege over a predicament.