The Benefits of Intergenerational Activities and Traditions

When you were born, you could feel your parents’ loving touch and be comforted by the soothing sounds they made. As you grew older, they introduced you to a new world and celebrated milestones with you. Many of the valuable things you learned from them will never leave you, and you probably have passed many of these lessons on to your own children.

Family relationships last a lifetime and continue to be a source of comfort, learning, and celebration as your parents become senior adults.

The Challenges of Distance and Difference

Today, families are more geographically scattered and busier than ever. Not only are families farther apart physically, but between generations often there is a widening gap in communication. While social media and texting have become the go-to communication methods for younger generations, they can be intimidating and confusing for some seniors.

Intergenerational Activities Benefit All Generations

Adult children can learn life lessons from their loved ones over the years. It is a perspective gained by time, but can be shared by those willing to listen.

People of all ages need a sense of belonging. And while family members may have divergent opinions, tastes, and even beliefs, they still benefit from the memories, lessons, and interactions between them. Sharing family history, traditions, and stories keeps this sense of belonging alive.

Today, seniors are living longer in their homes than ever before. While this means they are more comfortable in familiar surroundings, there is also the danger of them becoming isolated and lonely. Physical care can be provided by professionals in the absence of family caregivers, but emotional involvement — the connection with loved ones — is vitally important for seniors. Studies show that seniors tend to decline physically and cognitively without that involvement. In fact, people aged 60 and older who report feelings of loneliness have a 45-percent higher risk of death than those who do not feel lonely.

For children, intergenerational activities and spending time with older adults can provide improved self-esteem, social skills, healthier attitudes, and an opportunity to learn respect and admiration for an older generation. Grandparents, with their unique perspective and experiences, understand there are things you may be worried about when it comes to your children that are not as dire as they may seem. This can be a beneficial topic of conversation for everyone.

Ways to Connect

Generations can connect as they always have — working, playing, talking, and laughing together. Here are some ideas for intergenerational activities:

• Tend a garden
• Listen to music
• Look through a photo album
• Read a book together
• Go to a movie
• Eat at a restaurant
• Picnic in a park
• Take a class together
• Take a walk
• Cook/share recipes
• Talk over cookies and coffee
• Plan a family get-together
• Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion
• Gather over the holidays

Going Home

In a world that is sometimes frenetic, disconnected, and confusing, a family can still be a source of comfort, support, and learning across all its generations.

It’s been said you can never go home again. But as Maya Angelou once said, “The truth is you can never leave home, so it’s all right.”

Find more ways to connect with seniors on Bethesda’s blog.