The Benedict Foundation is committed to creating good places for people to grow old while maintaining the maximum possible levels of independence. An important component of such an "elder-friendly" community is the opportunity for older people to remain actively engaged in the life of their communities. Research confirms that remaining socially connected and productively engaged promotes older adults' physical and mental health.

Not only are "elder-friendly" communities good places for people to grow old, but they are also good places for children — and, in fact, good places for people of any age to live. From its inception, the Benedict Foundation has used intergenerational strategies to help strengthen Westchester neighborhoods and communities, as well as to increase the number of meaningful opportunities for older people to volunteer their time and talents.