Senior Living Advice: September’s celebration – Intergenerational Awareness Month

By Beth Dow, Solutions by Beth

Intergenerational Awareness month is a global movement celebrating the many benefits of relationships between adults aged 60+ and young people. Throughout the month of September, we are encouraged to create ways to bring the generations together through meaningful activities and “just plain fun” events.

According to CommunityServices.org, we need to recognize the need for one another and appreciate and respect people of all ages. Whether we are two years old or ninety-two years old, we can learn and grow from people of all ages.

Here are a few of the benefits received from intergenerational relationships:
• Children who spend time with older adults growing up are less ageist as they get older.

• It can prevent isolation and loneliness in older adults.

• It provides a perfect opportunity for young and old to learn from one another.

• It builds a stronger community.

• It gives older adults a sense of purpose and helps younger generations have a great respect for and value of older adults.

• It helps keep stories and history alive within families and the greater community.

So, get started! The month begins with Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 8th. This is a great time to get grandparents and great-grandparents together with their grandchildren. Many churches and schools will be hosting opportunities around this date.

Monarch House Assisted Living at 299 Bullsboro Drive, is hosting a Grandparent’s Day event on September 8th with live music, games, face painting, balloons, food, playground fun, a photo booth and more.

In the age of FaceTime and Portal™, miles don’t have to mean that grandparents and grandchildren can not spend meaningful time together. Having a grandchild in Baton Rouge, my Portal™ has been a lifeline that keeps us connected.

The County Fair is coming to town. What better memories to share than those of going to the County Fair together?

Schools, the Boys and Girls Club, and The Y, are always looking for mentors, “story-time” readers, and homework help for their students and participants.

Take children to visit your church “shut-ins” or to a nursing home or assisted living community and watch as the visit recipients come to life because of the engagement.

As with any new opportunity, you may have to do a little research and it may take some planning but spending time with a different generation than your own is worth it, not just to the individuals involved, but to the entire community.

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Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd, Geriatric Case Manager and Certified Senior Advisor. Contact her at [email protected].