When do we have cross-generational conversations?  And how do they go?

Steve Roesler blogged a few days ago about prevailing concerns about developing generational differences.  Steve was asked “what do we have in common?”

This led me to ponder when we have cross-generational conversations?   And whether they are conversations at all?

• When was the last time you spoke in depth about something of mutual concern with someone in another generation?
• Was the younger person able to access the older person’s experience and compare how things were done at different times?
• Was the older person able to listen to the younger person’s experience and acquire insight into their existence?

And what, if anything, did we do to promote and support the conversation?

Is there anyone out there writing on cross-generational conversations?