Intergenerational Connections: What Unites Us Matters More Than What Divides Us

Hemenway & Barnes recently explored this question with the goal of identifying shared emotional priorities that can foster stronger connection across age cohorts. In collaboration with Human-ology*, a research firm utilizing a unique longitudinal data instrument, several important insights emerged.

Generational Cohorts Defined**

**While there are additional cohorts the data in this research supports the four that are highlighted.

A Shared Response to Uncertainty

Over the past several years, individuals across all generations have been navigating sustained volatility. The COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption and inflation, political polarization, social unrest, and rapid technological transformation—including the emergence of AI—have created a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty.

In response, a clear pattern has emerged: regardless of age or life stage, people are prioritizing personal power.

Since 2019, every generation has increased its focus on what can be controlled—personal safety, agency, and wellbeing. The research identified a 63% increase in the importance placed on “having the freedom to make my own choices,” alongside a 43% increase in prioritizing safety.

This is not simply a cultural trend. It reflects an adaptive human response to complexity and unpredictability.

The Emotional Priorities That Unite Us

When stripped of generational labels, the core emotional priorities are remarkably consistent. Across cohorts, individuals express a desire for:

• Safety and security
• Being a good person
• Resilience and perseverance
• A stable and comforting home environment
• Emotional wellbeing

These shared drivers transcend age. They form a common foundation upon which more productive dialogue and stronger relationships can be built.

Implications for Families, Firms, and Philanthropy

Understanding generational nuance remains important. Life stage shapes perspective, risk tolerance, and priorities. However, meaningful connection begins with recognizing shared humanity before focusing on difference.

Within families navigating wealth transfer, within firms leading multi-generational teams, and within philanthropic initiatives seeking broad engagement, this perspective matters. When we approach others through a lens of common emotional priorities—rather than assumptions about generational traits—we create space for trust, alignment, and collaboration.

A reference guide summarizing both the unifying trends and generational distinctions can be accessed here.

As you engage colleagues, clients, and family members across generations, consider beginning not with how they are different—but with what they are seeking. In today’s environment, that answer may be more aligned than we assume.

*Human-ology
Human Insights firm with a proprietary global study of 100,000+ participants that has been ongoing for more than 9 years. Visit: human-ology.com