Senior citizens have a lifetime of knowledge and experience to impart. Older people, however, rarely interact with younger generations due to generational differences in viewpoint and expectations. In addition, ideological differences cause barriers between ages brought about by technical improvements, dependency, and different cultural views. However, bridging this divide can lead to cross-generational collaboration that benefits both the young and the young-at-heart.
Benefits of Talking with the Younger Generation
There are benefits to both parties when the older generation engages and talks with the younger. What are these benefits?
Benefits to the Younger Generation
Seniors who have lived for many years have a remarkable level of perspective. As a result, seniors can provide a distinct perspective on whether the year’s social, political, and cultural events are original or reminiscent of earlier occurrences by providing vital insights on cyclical themes. For younger people, this distinctive viewpoint might offer peace of mind and be an excellent discussion starter.
An experiment by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in the 1980s sheds light on intergeneration interaction’s power. Throughout 18 months, the organization had the opportunity to contrast young individuals who had mentors with those who did not. The difference was startling. Drug use was 46 percent different, school absences were 50 percent further, and violent behavior was 33 percent other. Relationships with adults are meaningful in young people’s lives.
Benefits to the Older Generation
Now let’s look at the other side of the coin. What do the older counterparts of the children have to gain by interacting?
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which started following more than 700 men in 1938 and is still doing so now, offers one insightful response. One of the study’s conclusions stands out above the rest: relationships are essential to well-being, especially as we age.
George Vaillant, a Harvard psychiatrist, directed that investigation for over three decades. In his book Aging Well, Vaillant emphasizes the value of intergenerational relationships in addition to those with partners and peers. Generativity means investing in, caring for, and developing the next generation; he wrote that older adults who did so were three times more likely to be happy than those who did not. “In all three Study cohorts, masters of Generativity tripled the chances that the decade of the 70s would be a time of joy for these men and women, not despair.”
Research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Washington University in St. Louis demonstrates the benefits of intergenerational volunteering for seniors’ emotional and physical well-being.
It is working with the students that “dusted off the cobwebs in their brains,” according to Dean Linda Fried of Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health. And according to a separate study by Hopkins professor Michelle Carlson found older adults “improved brain and cognitive function” after six months of tutoring students with Experience Corps.
A growing corpus of research on relationships, face-to-face interaction, and generativity reveals that engaging with others at all levels of the generational chain may really improve your health and happiness and even lengthen your life. Additionally, sharing with others helps seniors avoid the loneliness and isolation frequently associated with aging.
What Can You Share with the Younger Generation?
Seniors have gathered several things over the years that they can share with posterity. Of course, these “things” are not just physical items. Here are a few examples of what the younger generation can learn from you.
Special Family Recipes
Seniors have had time to hone their talents and develop the best recipes. Culinary and cooking abilities increase with practice. Seniors should think about imparting a formula they have perfected over the years. Consider giving a Christmas cooking class to teach younger, less experienced family members how to prepare their favorite family foods.
Life Advice
Many people could struggle to find a workable answer when confronted with challenging scenarios. Older people can help younger people who are going through comparable circumstances by sharing their wisdom from having lived a life. Sharing the gift of sound advice is made possible through the holidays to connect and truly learn what is going on.
Creative Skills
Long-term practitioners are the best examples of practical talents like knitting and woodworking that call for specialized training. Older generations have the chance to teach these skills to the younger generations nearby, maintaining the tradition and fostering unique friendships.
Family History
By telling significant tales from the family tree, seniors can assist the younger members of their family in becoming more familiar with their history and ancestry. In addition, retelling stories can help seniors preserve a stronger memory and teach more youthful family members about the cultural factors that influenced their families.
Share family history to maintain a sense of belonging.
Cultural History
Seniors who have lived for many years have a remarkable level of perspective. As a result, seniors can provide a distinct perspective on whether the year’s social, political, and cultural events are original or reminiscent of earlier occurrences by providing vital insights on cyclical themes. For younger people, this distinctive viewpoint might offer peace of mind and be an excellent discussion starter.
Stories, Fictional or Non-Fictional
Sharing stories is a great way to bond with other people. It does not matter if the reports are fictional or non-fictional, historical or sci-fi, romance or adventure. You can share personal anecdotes with profound lessons or reminisce on fun memories.
Connection with Others is Vital as We Age
Connections and relationships with others are vital, especially as we age. However, the benefits of maintaining a relationship with the younger generation through communication are not one-sided. Even the youth can benefit and grow to become more stable community members.
It is easier for seniors to maintain a healthy connection with the younger members of their families if they are aging at home. Infinite Love Homecare is the supreme helper of the elderly who opts to age. Our services can help them live the twilight of their years in the highest quality possible.
To get a free consultation with Infinite Love Homecare for elderly home care, contact Infinite Love Homecare by phone at (949)-529-4130. Our address is City Tower, 333 City Blvd, West Suite 1700, Orange, CA 92868.
