Intergenerational care: Your experience and impressions?

I read a little online about it on a CNN site and it sounds AWESOME! Omg, if things are managed well, I would think it would be a great idea. Granted, some seniors might not like the chatter of little voices everyday or the issues that could come with kids playing, like horseplay, but, over all, it sounds very positive.

When I was very young, I lived in a house with 4 generations under one roof. There wasn't much room, but, I never noticed that. In fact none of us did. It was great. We lived as a family and I got so much love, instruction and care from my elders. And, they seemed to love it too, because, we were much closer to our grandparents and great grandparents than most kids who just visit once in a while. I realize it's not an arrangement that works for every family.

I have no experience with formal intergenerational care; however, my mother lives with me and is visited daily by her great-grandchildren who live next door (two lived with us for nearly 3 years). The younger children in particular love visiting with Grandma; having her read to them, color, play simple games with little cars or puzzles. Mom's great-grandson decided at age 3 that only Grandma could read books to him; a year and a half later his books occupy a small bookcase in our LR and he picks a couple out and climbs into Grandma's lap for his "reading". Interacting with her great-grandchildren is the highlight of my mother's day, bringing her much joy.