4.6
Google Rating

46634489 - teenage granddaughter showing grandmother how to use digital tabletPeople of varying ages, whether young or old, can learn and grow from positive interactions with one another. The key is to have an open mind and appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with an intergenerational relationship. Many benefits can come from young and old learning together. While encouraging the mutually beneficial relationship, grandchildren today are teaching older adults how to use modern technology or are sharing their recent favorites in pop culture and entertainment. Similarly, a younger generation might discover age-old record players or classic, timeless movies that are just as influential today as they were decades past.

Organizational development scholar Dr. Morris Massey said, “We don’t have to agree with the values of different generations, but we can strive to understand the mind-sets of different generations and how each group sees the world based on their experiences.”

Does the man in the wheelchair, sitting quietly in the corner have anything at all in common with the gabby teenage girl who can’t stop texting her besties? Can someone whose attitudes about race, gender, and the media that are more closed minded hold a conversation with someone whose progressive ideals derive from the millennial generation?

Establishing a relationship can be an intimidating process, but don’t be afraid to be yourself and open up. There is a great chance that you have more in common than you might initially think.

The challenge we face is developing an understanding and acceptance of others. Often, values tend to clash when members of different generations come together, naturally. However, when people come together, it helps to diminish inaccurate, negative, and uneducated stereotypes we place towards others.

Not only is it a great way to pass along knowledge and wisdom, but interaction between the generations is also fun, exciting, and good for you.

The benefit of intergenerational interaction for seniors is limiting isolation and loneliness in older adults, who are left without a spouse, family, or loved ones.

According to the organization Generations United, “Older adults who regularly volunteer with children burn 20% more calories per week, experience fewer falls, are less reliant on canes, and perform better on a memory test than their peers.”

Overall studies indicate intergenerational activities in seniors increase both physical and mental health. “Older adults with dementia experience more positive effect during interactions with children.” Such activities allow seniors to live more actively and stay engaged within their community, which can add several years to one’s life expectancy.

Not only is there a major benefit in older adults, there is a mutual benefit for others. Opportunities for intergenerational experiences can offer development of skills, ethics, values, a sense of citizenship, and family, while also preserving long-lived traditions and customs.

By both young people and older adults relating to one another through teaching and learning together, their lives are enriched and improved by sharing their insight on the world as tutors, role models, or mentors. With regular visitation, they can become supports for one another and unite, providing solutions for illiteracy, environmental issues, health issues, crime prevention, and many more.

For ways to connect, integrate, and communicate to different generations, the Charmm’d Foundation offers a checklist that can be viewed at: http://www.charmmdfoundation.org/resource-library/effective-communication/checklist-communicating-different-generations

“Somehow we have to get older people back close to growing children if we are to restore a sense of community, a knowledge of the past, and a sense of the future.”
– Margaret Mead

Jeff Clay, Vice President of Business Development at of Regency Retirement Village, said his group recruits many volunteers who bring a variety of abilities to work alongside residents.

“For these volunteers, both young and old, we create opportunities for inter-generational experiences,” Clay said. “We understand that many schools and colleges require volunteer hours for their students, and we would love to support those efforts.”

Here at Regency Retirement Village Huntsville, we strongly encourage intergenerational activity within our community. As we offer daily care for each of our residents needs, our Regency staff considers each and every member, like family. We cherish the long-lasting relationships built and appreciate our resident’s willingness to impart their wisdom with us. Call today and speak with our Activities Director to learn of ways you can begin a fulfilling way of working with seniors!

To learn more about Regency Retirement Village, call (6256) 852-0033.