My kids are coming for Christmas. This year there are 2 little granddaughters to build the joy and excitement of the season, and 3 generations will share meals around our table. It will be a special time for us all to be together. Only a few decades ago, it was common place for extended family to come together, not just at Christmas or other special times of the year, but all year long. Now with jobs and education taking us far and wide, families are more likely to be spread across the country or the world. Older adults live alone in their homes or in seniors’ housing, join seniors’ clubs, meet their friends (also seniors) for coffee or lunch, participate in the seniors’ Olympics, or segregate themselves in “adult lifestyle communities”. I think we’re missing out. Children are missing out. Communities are missing out. People of all ages should be able to interact and do things together on a regular basis. We have much to share.

Inter-generational activities have been shown to provide benefits for young and old, and for the community overall. Older adults experience physical and emotional health benefits from regular interaction with younger people. Those who volunteer regularly with children burn 20% more calories, have fewer falls, and perform better on memory tests. Involvement with young people encourages elders to stay current with technology and innovation, and is one way to prevent social isolation, one of the greatest dangers to health as we age. Older people aren’t the only ones to benefit from inter-generational activities, however.
Children and youth reap significant benefits from interaction with elders. Studies show that children who are involved in inter-generational programming have improved reading scores. They develop communication and problem solving skills, and are more likely to have broader social networks. According to Generations United (http://www.generationon.org/node/20606), they are 46% less likely to use illegal drugs, 27% less likely to use alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school. Most significant for society, they display a more positive attitude toward aging and the old, and are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and community service. Pretty impressive results from just interacting with old folks!
And the community as a whole benefits too. When diverse groups come together, stereotyping and bigotry is decreased, and the elderly and youth are more likely to be recognized as contributing members of society. That is helpful in a society that still sees aging and the old in a negative light, and when young people are often regarded with suspicion. Bringing generations together also contributes to the transmission of cultural traditions and values and builds a sense of personal and societal identity. And young people who regularly interact with older people are more likely to aspire to careers in senior care, not insignificant when we think about the health system effects of our aging population, and the dearth of geriatric health care practitioners.
Being with people of various generations is good for body and soul. So this Christmas season spend time with your children and grandchildren, or your nieces and nephews. Treat a young neighbour to lunch and a shopping trip, or go to see a Christmas concert at your community school. Then, in January, when you’re contemplating your goals for the New Year, consider how you might get more involved in the lives of the young people around you. Check out the Generations United website, above, to get you thinking. You have skills and knowledge to share, and stories to tell. And so do young people! It will help you to live well to a hundred and twelve!