This blog dives into the importance of relationships between multiple generations. There are beliefs, traditions, and stories that provide great value when passed down to children or young adults. And in turn, older adults and seniors are still constantly evolving in a world where we never stop learning.
Prioritizing a future built on intergenerational relationships will enhance our communities by transferring essential information, creating a space where each generation feels understood and inspired, and providing opportunities for people to grow no matter what age they are– So why isn’t every household stiving for a mix of old and young generations?
Societal Shift in Intergenerational Households
There has been a notable shift in households decreasing the generations they hold. A hundred years ago, there would be babies, teenagers, adults, grandparents, and sometimes great grandparents all living under the same roof. Now in most cases, families that share a single-family home consists of the parents and their children – What has changed?
Societal opportunities, education, and housing expectations have all evolved over the past 100 years. Younger generations see it as being successful the earlier they move out of their childhood home, and senior living communities provide grandparents opportunities to live life with people who they can relate to.
There are benefits to these changes, but it is so important to figure out how we can incorporate these intergenerational conversations and relationships into everyday life if they are no longer occurring in a home setting. The benefits are way too great to pass up, and there are plenty of them – still today.
“With a new generation of Americans reaching their 65th birthdays at the rate of more than 11,000 each day, and with 32 years added to life expectancy in the U.S. since 1900, the older adult population is a resource we can’t afford to ignore.” (Standford’s ‘Intergenerational Relationships Can Transform Our Future’ by Amy Yotopoulos)
It is a two-way street to a better understanding of each other, that will not only positively benefit individuals of all ages, but society as a whole.
Why connecting age groups together is so important
There are some things that can’t be taught in school or by research; instead, you must walk through life to find answers. Those that have retired have gone through tough times, learned life lessons, and have grown from each unique experience to get where they are.
In an article by Satya Moolani called ‘The Value of Intergenerational Relationships’ she states that after studying programs where multigenerational conversations happen results show vast, “improvements in younger individual’s self-esteem, interest levels in subjects such as language arts, attendance rates in schools, and in their literacy levels. Older adults also reported a 56% positive change in attitudes towards children and a 73% increase in overall satisfaction with life and wellbeing…”
Many older adults and seniors are happy to reflect and share their stories, and younger generations can really benefit from their examples of real-life successes, hardships, failures and problem-solving skills. This can be particularly useful in helping the youth evolve their social and professional character.
“Older adults can help young people develop their talents and knowledge and can advise on relationships and daily life conflicts. Importantly, their years of living give them an almost intangible ability to communicate and model social and emotional skills, and to help young people develop those key traits,” (Standford’s ‘Intergenerational Relationships Can Transform Our Future’ by Amy Yotopoulos).
There is another side of interchanging information where the youth teach their elders. Age is just a number, and there is no hard stop on learning. Communicating, teaching, and taking the time to explain things are essential key factors for a sense of community. For example, younger generations are able to support those older with technology, and social tends because when they were growing up it became second nature to them. A sense of relief and much needed patience to better understand some of the newer things is where the youth can come in and save the day.
By passing down, or up, important information people can go outside into a diverse world with a better understanding of people, places, ideas, and more.
How to build Intergenerational Relationships:
The way we design these opportunities is crucial. Studies show, according to changingaging.org, that the leading approach is the one that makes sure both parties are taking something from the conversation. “Through the implementation of intergenerational programs, not only are older adults gaining a sense of companionship and someone to share their knowledge and experiences with, but the youth are gaining the guidance and encouragement they need to shine in the rapidly excelling world.”
Some examples of ways for intergenerational connection could be through youth volunteering at a senior living community, seniors reading to children at the local library, or adults participating in programs like “Big Brother, Big Sister.”
Make sure to find some good talking points ahead of time. Experiences and advice are great things to communicate between generations, but also less serious topics and pieces of information can be just as enriching and beneficial. Including recipes, love stories, childhood memories, pastimes are all great ways to build a connection and topics that are timeless.
At Wentworth Senior Living
Wentworth Senior Living (WSL) understands the importance of mixing generations together. It is essential for seniors to continue to be engaged and have connections with other seniors, adults, and children. Due to lifestyle and health changes, seniors are the most isolated population in society – And human connection can positively turn that around.
WSL understands and promotes these lasting relationships through our ‘Open Door Policy.’ We create an enrichment calendar with visitors of all ages that’s tailored to seniors and the five main categories for support: emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. We welcome people at all life stages and from all walks of life, because each connection, big or small, will make a difference.
“…by knowing how we’d like to be remembered and acting accordingly, we have the chance to see past the illusion of remaining young forever, plant some new seeds, give away what we’ve learned, and foment hope in the next generation” (Berkely’s What Happens When Old and Young Connect’ by Marc Freedman.)