Intergenerational Family Solidarity across Europe

The global trend of ageing populations is particularly pronounced in Europe. In the wake of increased life expectancies, intergenerational family relationships have become more and more important over the last few decades. The COST Action INTERFASOL started from the claim that in light of these developments societies need to develop mechanisms, programs and policies that will support solidarity between the young, middle and older generations. Although considerable research activities in the field of intergenerational relations have been carried out in the last years, a lack in coordination and integration of different studies from different settings was noted. Bringing together research from different countries to coordinate studies and synthesize results is not an easy endeavor but it has turned out as a fruitful venture: INTERFASOL has been successful in bringing together researchers from 28 different countries meeting regularly, discussing current issues and not least producing a large number of publications and research proposals. One outcome of the COST Action is this volume which has the aim to become a reference for all those who are interested in intergenerational relations in Europe: the chapters will provide the basis and a starting point for further research.