TV presenter Vanessa Feltz has described cross-generational friendships as "some of the most rewarding", following new research showing that six in 10 Brits maintain friendships across age groups.
Feltz spoke about her enduring friendship with her former Strictly Come Dancing partner James Jordan, noting the 16-year age gap between them and the lessons she has learned from him.
Friendship across the ages
The pair have stayed close since appearing together on the dancing show, with Feltz saying such bonds bring together different perspectives and experiences.
"Some of the most rewarding friendships are the ones that span generations because they bring together different perspectives, experiences and ways of looking at the world," she said.
"Whether you're sharing stories over a coffee, tackling a challenge together or simply catching up on life, those shared experiences have a way of bringing people closer, regardless of age."
Research findings
Research commissioned by AXA UK found that 60% of people have friends from other generations, while 75% said they will always make time to chat with those older than themselves and benefit from their experiences.
The study also revealed that 35% rarely or never socialise with people who are 15 years younger or older than themselves.
Among those who do mix across age groups, learning new perspectives (42%), sharing skills and knowledge (39%) and becoming more open-minded (27%) were cited as the biggest benefits. Nearly half (49%) said they get more out of activities involving people from different age groups.
Where generations connect
Outside of work (34%) and family gatherings (33%), Brits most commonly spend time with people from other generations at sporting events (15%) and in pubs (14%). Music was also popular, with 46% agreeing it traditionally unites people of all ages.
The OnePoll.com study found that 62% would like to complete a bucket list activity with someone from a different generation.
Workplace and economic impact
In the workplace, 34% said having different perspectives was the greatest advantage of mixed-age teams, while 32% pointed to knowledge sharing. More than a third (36%) said the government should prioritise broadening opportunities for on-the-job training and skills development to accommodate different generations.
Some 80% of respondents said improved sharing of skills, knowledge and experience between workers of varying age groups could boost productivity and drive economic growth.
Tara Foley, CEO of AXA UK & Ireland, said: "Every generation has something valuable to offer. Bringing people of different ages together strengthens not only families, but our workplaces and communities too."
"At a time when the UK is looking for new ways to grow and adapt, that is an opportunity we should embrace," she added.
