Generations Over Dinner Initiative

Break bread and bridge understanding between ages

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SALSA (Successfully Aging and Living in San Antonio), an initiative of the San Antonio Area Foundation, is dedicated to ensuring older adults—and all generations—have meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and belong. One of our key initiatives is Generations Over Dinner, a simple yet powerful way to spark understanding through the universal experience of sharing a meal.

At each event, 6–8 people representing at least three generations (ages 12–90+) gather for a two-hourguided conversation. Meals are family-style and flexible—whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner—hosted ata home, community center, or organization.

I had such a lovely time sitting a dinner table with guests of various ages from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. Together we learned that we had a lot more in common than any of us expected to. As we ate, we shared stories and memories of our lives. We shared laughs and tears in a space that felt safe and warm.

- Janice, age 24 Gen Z

Why it matters?

We are living through a loneliness epidemic. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called social isolation as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Consider:

35% of adults 45+ report chronic loneliness (AARP Foundation).
Intergenerational contact has dropped 40% in the past 20 years (Aging & Mental Health).
Social isolation increases premature death risk by 26% (Campbell Reviews).

Generations Over Dinner helps reverse these trends by:

Breaking down age silos with intentional dialogue.
Building empathy and challenging stereotypes.
Strengthening community bonds and mentorship across ages.

Across the country, Generations Over Dinner is transforming meals into catalysts for social change. SALSA offers facilitator training and organizational support for those ready to host—helping communities everywhere grow more inclusive, connected, and resilient.

I came not knowing what to expect, but I left feeling hopeful. Hearing stories from both a 15-year-old and a 90-year-old at my table remisomethingnded me that we all have something to share and to learn.

- Jessica, age 55 Gen X

The Generations

The Greatest Generation – Born 1901-1924
The Silent Generation – Born 1925-1945
Baby Boomers – Born 1946-1964
Generation X – Born 1965-1980
Millennials (Generation Y) – Born 1981-1996
Generation Z – Born 1997-2012
Gen Alpha – Born 2013-2024

The Planning Guide offers suggestions and guidance for hosting a Generations Over Dinner event. Through our own experiences—learning by trial and error—we’ve discovered what works well and what doesn’t. The good news is that these dinners can be hosted on any budget; at their core, they simply require people coming together to share a conversation.

Why host?

By hosting a Generations Over Dinner, you give your community, organization, or family the chance to:

Bridge generational gaps and reduce stereotypes.
Foster belonging and understanding across ages.
Spark meaningful dialogue on life, values, and today’s pressing issues.
Pass down wisdom while gaining fresh perspectives.
Strengthen community through deeper human connection.

What’s in it for me (or my organization)?

Generations Over Dinner is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that elevates your mission:

Organizations: Show commitment to inclusion and community building.
Faith communities: Strengthen intergenerational faith and fellowship.
Families & neighbors: Create moments of listening, laughter, and shared wisdom.