Page - 12 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 3:1

12 | www.limina-graz.eu Editorial Clash of generations? Demographic changes and migration have had a significant impact on the relationship between different generations in Europe over the last decade. This issue of LIMINA predates the coronavirus crisis in Europe. However, the measures put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19 also demonstrate a common thread with relevant issues in intergenerational discourse: Dis- cussions on disease characteristics, challenges faced by the health care system and strategies to tackle the pandemic always circle back to genera- tional differences. Instructions by the government to particularly protect the elderly as a category of vulnerable people and to practice social distanc- ing also effect relational shifts between generations. Additionally, while many older people feel uncomfortable to be thrust into the public spotlight in this way, others welcome the level of attention and care they receive. The impetus for this edition of LIMINA is a change in intergenerational relationships, which have undergone a significant transformation over the last decade in Europe – even before the emergence of the new coro- navirus. Demographic changes and migration have triggered a shift away from intergenerational living under the same roof in favour of much more heterogeneous generational relationships. This diversification in the so- cietal makeup poses challenges for the government as well as social care and health care systems, but also for individuals. Often, these challenges are only discussed in the context of affordable care and associated impli- cations of an ageing society. Despite this being a simplistic approach, the fact is that the numbers are shifting and there will be more older people in comparison to middle-aged and young people in future. The current issue of LIMINA on “intergenerational (co-)living” investi- gates the relationship between different generations, sheds a light on the implications for social, health and nursing sciences as well as gerontology, and explores theological perspectives on relevant issues: Translation: Dagmar Astleitner MA PRISM Translations, London Shining a light on intergenerational (co-)living