Family, sport and food unite generations across age divides

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 09:07 · Archive

Family events, sport and food most unite different generations, while politics and social media divide them, according to research by AXA UK.

Research commissioned by AXA UK surveyed 2,000 adults about what unites and divides different generations. The study found family events (65%), sport (55%) and food (51%) are most likely to bring different age groups together.

Conversely, political views (32%), social media (29%) and fashion (22%) are the main things that divide them. The research revealed that 35% of respondents rarely or never spend time with people who are 15 years younger or older than them.

Despite potential divides, the findings show optimism about cross-generational connections. Six in 10 adults have friends from other generations, while 75% said they will always make time to speak to older people and learn from them.

To illustrate the positive impact of cross-generational friendships, AXA UK partnered with broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and dancer James Jordan, who have maintained a friendship since appearing together on Strictly Come Dancing, despite their 16-year age gap.

Feltz said cross-generational friendships are rewarding because they bring together different perspectives and experiences. She noted that shared activities, whether over coffee or tackling challenges together, bring people closer regardless of age, and that such connections open people up to new ideas and fresh outlooks that can enrich their lives.

How it is being reported

• Family, sport and food unite generations while politics and social media divide themThe most common things that unite different generations are family, sport and food - while politics and social media are the most divisive.Croydon Guardian · 9 Nov, 08:40
• Family, sport and food unite generations while politics and social media divide themThe most common things that unite different generations are family, sport and food - while politics and social media are the most divisive.This Is Local London · 9 Nov, 08:40
• Family, sport and food unite generations while politics and social media divide themThe most common things that unite different generations are family, sport and food - while politics and social media are the most divisive.Wandsworth Guardian · 9 Nov, 08:40
• Family, sport and food unite generations while politics and social media divide themThe most common things that unite different generations are family, sport and food - while politics and social media are the most divisive.News Shopper · 9 Nov, 08:40

In this story: AXA UK · Vanessa Feltz · James Jordan · Strictly Come Dancing

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