Have you ever considered enriching your life with intergenerational relationships?
Friendships between the young and old are few and far between – but, nevertheless, incredibly valuable.
Keep reading to discover the many benefits of intergenerational relationships:
Improved Mental Health & Self Confidence
Becoming friends with your younger/older counterpart is an incredibly effective way of reducing feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress.
For the older generations in particular, intergenerational relationships can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It’s an invigorating experience, infusing their lives with new energy and excitement.
For the younger generations, the wisdom they gain from such a relationship can help to improve self confidence – particularly for those that don’t already have a grandfather/grandmother figure in their lives.
Intergenerational Relationships: Providing Opportunities for Learning
Forming an intergenerational bond is great for broadening your depth of knowledge.
If you’ve made friends with someone that’s older than you, you’ll likely learn plenty of life lessons that will serve you well in the future. You may even learn about events that occurred before you were born, and during your early years of life.
For those that bond with their younger counterparts, you’ll still have plenty of knowledge to gain. From new, modern ways of living to technology tips and advice, there’s much to learn about living as a young adult in the 21st century.
The Chance to Share Different Perspectives
Due to a range of factors, such as decade trends and political/technological developments, the young and old can often adopt very different perspectives on life.
Intergenerational relationships provide valuable opportunities for sharing differing ideas, opinions and perspectives. By engaging in an activity together, such as a puzzle or baking, you may discover new ways to achieve the end result; perhaps methods that you’ve never considered before, which you may then decide to carry forward into your day-to-day life.
You can share perspectives by simply having a conversation about topical matters; it may help you see the world in a different light.
Intergenerational Relationships: Keep Old Memories Alive
Without the sharing of precious memories and stories, past events can easily get lost in history.
Take the opportunity to pass down your stories; you could, for example, share your personal account of a significant event that occurred in your childhood.
Telling these stories can help you relive moments in your past, and ensure they stay alive amongst the younger generations of today.
If you’re looking for a way to add a sense of purpose and meaning to your life, consider making friends with someone that’s fortunate to be able to share their generational experiences with you.
At MACC Care, we’re passionate about ensuring that our residents spend plenty of time making friends and getting involved in their wider community.
If you’d like to find out more about our care services, please browse our website or contact a member of our team.
Alternatively, why not take a look at our previous blog to discover how you can boost your mental health with exercise?
