Bridging generations in the Netherlands
Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness and emotional isolation, have become a critical issue across all age groups in the Netherlands. While there are mental health services available, these services are extremely overburdened, with wait times for care often exceeding six months.
There is a scarcity of genuine human connection that is pushing people into mental health crises and loneliness.
To address this challenge, The Responsibles Foundation has launched an initiative entitled “Shared Wisdom”, an intergenerational program in the Netherlands to help reduce loneliness and connect generations.
This initiative is multi-dimensional and aim to create an interactive platform for senior citizens to engage in social initiatives, while providing emotional and mental support to young and middle-aged adults.
In 2024, CBS reported that 3.3 million people in the Netherlands lived alone, with those over 70 making up the largest group.
Even those not living alone, are at risk of mental health issues. With our fast-paced work-oriented lives today, particularly in the aftermath of a global pandemic, young and middle-aged adults also struggle with loneliness and mental health challenges.
In 2024, NL Times reported that nearly 30% of the Dutch population above the age of 15 experienced loneliness.
Young adults (15-25) report more emotional loneliness, that is the lack of close emotional bonds, whereas middle-aged adults experience more social loneliness.
Because wisdom is stronger when shared.
Shared Wisdom connects young/middle-aged adults and senior citizens through storytelling, shared activities, and community projects – building bridges across generations.
When Generations connect, something powerful happens.
Senior Citizens — who want to share their stories, wisdom, and life lessons.
Young and middle-aged adults— who want to connect, learn, and bring fresh energy.
Join us today and be part of the movement where wisdom meets growth.
Shared Wisdom is a intergenerational program in the Netherlands. This project is designed to create an interactive platform, connecting senior citizens and young and middle-aged adults through storytelling sessions, mentorship, and support circles. The platform addresses social isolation among seniors while offering emotional and practical guidance to young and middle-aged adults.
Shared Wisdom provides senior citizens with a renewed sense of purpose, helps reduce loneliness, by providing opportunities to stay active and socially engaged. We believe that allowing senior citizens to share their experiences allows them to feel valued, recognized, and connected to the community.
Many young and middle-aged adults struggle with personal or professional uncertainty. Shared Wisdom allow them access to empathetic listeners and mentors who provide guidance, reassurance, and perspective. We believe that will allow young and middle-aged adults to develop resilience, emotional well-being, and stronger community ties.
The program will run through:
Sessions will be held both in community centres and online to maximize accessibility.
Shared Wisdom is not clinical therapy or a replacement for professional therapy. Instead, an initiative that fosters communication and connection, it focuses on peer support, mentorship, and intergenerational dialogue. In serious cases, referral to a professional will be advised.
The success of Shared Wisdom will be tracked through attendance records, participant surveys, testimonials, and focus groups. Key indicators are reduced feelings of isolation among seniors, improved emotional well-being among adults, and strengthened community connections.
Our funding strategy is a mix of grants, corporate partnerships, community fundraising, and donations. Over time, the project might be able to generate income from workshops, publications, or sponsored events to ensure sustainability.
Senior citizens, who are willing to share their experiences, stories, and life lessons. just an open heart, patience, and a willingness to connect with others.
Young and middle-aged adults, who are looking for guidance, emotional support, or simply meaningful and open-hearted conversations.
You can register by filling our registration form, and one of our team members will get in touch with you for the way forward.
No. Your lived experience is your most valuable skill. We will provide orientation and special trainings guidance to help you feel comfortable during sessions.
The activities will be a mix of storytelling sessions, mentorship circles, community conversations, support groups, intergenerational dialogue, and cultural/skill-sharing activities.
No. Shared Wisdom is free to join for both senior volunteers and young and middle-aged adults. We welcome optional donations or community contributions but never required.
You can choose your level of involvement. You can join monthly sessions or participate weekly. Flexibility is built in to respect your time and energy.
We will provide digital literacy support and ensure physical community centres are available. Younger volunteers will assist seniors in using technology during sessions.
All participants will follow a code of respect and confidentiality. Sensitive issues shared in support circles will remain private, and trained facilitators will oversee sessions to ensure a safe and inclusive environment is maintained.
If you have additional questions, please reach out. We would love to tell you more about our projects and “Shared Wisdom”
This initiative is aligned with 5 goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We place a strong emphasis on transparency and sustainability, ensuring the development of sustainable methodologies in achieving this goal while prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives.
