When Young & Old Come Together
Getting people of all ages together has numerous benefits that can enhance our lives, enrich our communities, and bridge generational gaps. At Abbeyfield, we create close bonds with local schools, colleges and universities to ensure we build connections to bridge these gaps. In this blog, we will look at the advantages of intergenerational activities, shedding light on the importance of forming connections between people of all ages.
Enhanced Social Wellbeing
One key benefit of intergenerational activities is the boos in social wellbeing. For older people, especially those who are in retirement communities, interacting with younger generations can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Young people also reap the benefits as they learn valuable social skills, empathy, and patience from these interactions. These activities help everyone feel like they belong, cut down feelings of loneliness, and contribute to a stronger community.
Sharing Knowledge & Wisdom
Getting different ages together is a brilliant way to pass on knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.Older people often have a wealth of life experiences, skills, and stories to share. Younger generations can tap into this goldmine, getting advice and guidance that can shape their lives. Learning from the past can help us make wiser decisions for the future. Conversely, older people can learn from the younger generation, who often know their stuff when it comes to the latest tech.
Cognitive Benefits
Engaging in intergenerational activities has been linked to cognitive benefits for both older and younger people. For older people, these activities stimulate the mind, keeping them mentally agile. For children and young people, interacting with older people can help them become better problem-solvers, improve how they talk to people, and give them a wider view of life.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
Interacting with people from different age groups gives us the chance to challenge and break down stereotypes that can build up over time. When we engage in activities with people from different generations, we often discover that our preconceived notions are wrong. This helps to build a more inclusive and open-minded society.
Empathy & Understanding
Getting together with people of different ages helps us develop empathy – the ability to understand and share other people's feelings. When young people spend time with older people, they gain insight into the challenges of ageing and develop a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of our older generation. This helps us become kinder and more caring, which is crucial for building strong, supportive communities.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Lots of older people have fascinating backgrounds and traditions they're keen to pass on to younger generations. Intergenerational activities give them a chance to share their cultural heritage, customs, and traditions, keeping our culture diverse and making sure we don't forget our roots.
Sense of Purpose
For older people, participating in intergenerational activities can provide a renewed sense of purpose. Knowing that they are making a positive impact on younger generations can boost self-esteem and overall wellbeing. It can also motivate them to stay active and involved in their communities.
Improved Mental Health
Studies have shown that intergenerational activities can be good for mental health. For older people, these activities can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. For children and young adults, it can make them feel safer and more supported, which is good for their mental health.
Community Building
Intergenerational activities are key to building close-knit communities. When people of all ages get together, they form bonds that go beyond age. These connections make us feel like we're all in it together, leading to more people getting involved and working together.
In a world where sometimes it feels like people are divided by age, intergenerational activities offer a way to bridge the gap. By bringing people of different ages together, we can understand each other better, be more caring, and feel like we belong. The benefits are clear – they make us happier, healthier, and more connected. As we keep on embracing and encouraging these activities, we can look forward to a society that's more inclusive, connected, and peaceful.
Intergenerational Activities at Abbeyfield
Across our houses and homes, we've built some incredible connections between young and old. Whether it's visits from schools or nurseries, or students from colleges and universities sharing their knowledge with our residents. Here are some photos from our recent intergenerational activities at Abbeyfield.
Discover more about Intergenerational activities
Take a look at these reputable sources for information and resources related to intergenerational activities in the UK.
Generations Working Together
Generations Working Together is a Scottish-based organization with a UK-wide focus. They promote intergenerational practice and provide a wealth of resources, research, and information on intergenerational activities and projects.
Age UK
While Age UK primarily focuses on issues related to older people, they often feature information and initiatives related to intergenerational activities. You can explore their website for articles and resources on this topic.
The Beth Johnson Foundation
The Beth Johnson Foundation is a UK charity that works to support and empower older people. They often engage in intergenerational projects and share information and resources related to intergenerational activities on their website.