Connecting Generations: How Intergenerational Activities Enrich Lives

Intergenerational activities provide seniors with opportunities to utilize their strengths, whether it’s holding a baby or mentoring older children. These activities not only boost social interaction but also foster a sense of optimism. Additionally, participating in these programs can lead to improved mobility and memory function, enhancing both physical and cognitive well-being for seniors. The curiosity and youthful energy of younger age groups can also bring much-needed laughter and joy. Plus, activities with younger children may comfort seniors who don’t have grandchildren or grandparents who don’t get to see them as often as they’d like.

The benefits for young people are also numerous. Enhanced social skills, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging are a few benefits, not to mention valuable life lessons, cultural insights, and the wisdom that comes from experience.

Research has shown that intergenerational interactions can boost confidence and foster resilience in young individuals, helping them navigate challenges more effectively. Moreover, establishing connections with older adults can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation so prevalent with today’s youth, promoting mental well-being.

Intergenerational mentorships match seniors age 55+ with children to foster relationships. Whether it’s based on a common interest or meaningful conversation, mentorship can benefit everyone involved. The goal is for seniors to experience social enrichment while allowing children to have an adult they can look up to.

Mentorship programs such as Senior Adults for Greater Education (S.A.G.E.) work with school districts to pair seniors with students. Senior volunteers interact with children during the school day, when they encourage learning and impart wisdom.

AmeriCorps also has a mentorship program, called the Foster Grandparent Program. Seniors who sign up can volunteer in different ways, from mentoring a teenager to regularly tutoring a student who needs extra support.

Plus, mentorships help resolve the pitfalls that can occur when seniors only interact with other seniors.

“When people only live with other people their age, the conversation shifts to three P’s: pain, pills, and passing. What hurts, what medication you’re on, and who died. You can’t have that conversation when you’re talking with a 17-year-old. It really brings out other interests that the older adult may have or something they’ve forgotten about that they’ve always wanted to nurture,” adds Donna Butts, the executive director at Generations United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to intergenerational programs.

Butts also shares how her organization helped a senior who was very depressed after a move to a senior living community. Through an intergenerational program, the senior woman became a reading tutor for preschoolers, and she found a new sense of purpose.

Children who participate in a regular intergenerational program look forward to these events just as much as their senior counterparts. Butts recalls children who never miss school on the days when seniors visit — an intergenerational program can provide meaning and purpose to students who might be wanting for either. Children also gain a great sense of empathy through these programs.

“When [children are] exposed to older adults with disabilities at a very early age, it teaches them to look at somebody who’s in a wheelchair or walker and not think any differently,” says Hauss.

A desire for this empathy and a positive experience can drive parents to seek out volunteer opportunities for their children. Brandy Sweeney-Evrard, the life enrichment coordinator at Astor Place senior living community in Oregon, started an intergenerational program by reaching out to her child’s preschool. “I want my kids to be able to come to places like this. I don’t want them to be afraid of older people,” Sweeney-Evrard says.

Virtual or distanced intergenerational activities help seniors access these experiences from afar. These activities may be easier to schedule, and preventing the spread of illness is still a priority for many senior living communities.

Distanced intergenerational activities still affect the atmosphere in the community. For instance, virtual story times via Zoom keep seniors connected to preschoolers, and sometimes the children even send their senior cards. In addition to reading, communities may send craft supplies to seniors and youth and set up Zoom sessions to complete the project. Playing games together such as bingo or I Spy are also classic favorites.

Zoom may not work for everyone, however. ONEgeneration offers drive-up events, distanced outdoor activities in nice weather, care package delivery, and even a pen pal program for seniors and high school students. In either case, some senior living communities notice an air of excitement that comes along with distanced intergenerational programming.

“If you tell the seniors we’re going to have the kids on the TV, [and] we’re going to interact with them, people come out that I wouldn’t expect to come out. Then they’re watching all these little kids and they’re laughing, and it’s just a chance to be playful and goofy,” Sweeney-Evrard says.

Ultimately, intergenerational relationships enrich the lives of both seniors and young people, creating a supportive community where knowledge and experiences are shared across generations.

If your senior loved one doesn’t have access to a program within their community, you as a caregiver may be able to help them find ways to participate. Generations United offers a database that allows you to search for intergenerational programs in your area.

In-person activities are also easy to organize with close family members and friends. Plan a nature walk or cooking activities between your senior and younger family members. If in-person activities are not an option, connecting with grandchildren or young relatives over technology still offers benefits for both groups.

Another option is to consider Finnish-American Village’s Home Care division, which offers in-home care on a temporary, seasonal, part-time, even full-time schedule and can provide companionship, brain fitness activities, light housekeeping such as laundry or meal prep, transportation and escorting to appointments and events, or even full healthcare services such as bathing and dressing assistance, assistance with ADL’s, and more. Our not-for-profit programs are tailored to fit each client’s needs, with skilled and certified Home Health Aides and CNA’s ready to assist you or your loved one with staying home safely with the highest quality of life for as long as possible.

Portions of this article were collected from A Place for Mom and authored by Rebecca Schier-Akamelu

The information provided by Finnish-American Village is for thought-provoking and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your personal needs, requirements, and any medical concerns you may have. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider before making any decisions or changes related to your health and well-being.