ABSTRACT
As previous chapters reveal, intergenerational communication is not limited to family interactions. A number of the most influential and significant relationships we form and maintain in our lives occur within professional, intergenerational interactions. This chapter discusses two professional contexts within which intergenerational relationships are quite common, health care and education. Chapters 2 through 7 explained some of the major dimensions and contexts of nonfamilial intergenerational relationships. For instance, intergenerational relationships form through organized religion, service organizations, mail delivery, various friendships, sporting activities, and so on. However, the contexts of health care and education may not only be among the most significant contexts within which intergenerational relationships are formed; they may have also produced some of the most interesting and relevant research to enhance our overall goals of discussing and understanding intergenerational communication across the life span. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of interesting and recent research concerned with intergenerational friendships.
