Retirement communities offer different programs to ensure your loved ones remain active and healthy. Intergenerational programs stand out in the list of programs in senior living. These programs bridge the gap between older and younger generations.
Aging adults and younger counterparts interact together to build long-term relationships. Studies have indicated that the programs are beneficial to both aging adults and younger ones. These are ways your loved ones can benefit from these senior living programs:
Reduced Isolation
Aging adults tend to withdraw from participating in activities. They want to live in isolation and wouldn’t want to appear in social gatherings. Intergenerational programs are created to prevent this, they will be able to bond and make new friends. In addition, your loved ones won’t be limited to building friendship with people of similar age.
Moments with younger ones are always different, your loved ones will teach, learn and also have fun. Having youth and children around will energize your loved ones and make them more active. In addition, they will enjoy the excitement of playing the role of a grandparent. Lastly, these programs help prevent discrimination against aging adults.
Improves Health
Aging adults who regularly participate in intergenerational programs burn more calories, rely less on walking aids, and also have significant memory improvement. Residents with memory complications especially benefit from these programs more than non-generational programs.
Becomes More Active
Interaction between aging adults is always different from what goes on between adults and younger ones. Your loved ones will only get to discuss things like medications, pain, and other aging topics. However, interaction with the younger generation will make your loved ones more optimistic.
Since they have the opportunity to mentor the children, your loved ones will always look forward to an interaction with them. This will stimulate them mentally and also make them more active.
Learning
Intergenerational programs unite the older and younger generation. It provides opportunities for mutual learning as aging adults learn new technologies while youth is being mentored. However, the benefit is significant in aging adults, your loved ones can improve their self-esteem.
While participating in activities together, the younger ones will educate the aging adults about the latest trends ensuring they stay updated. In addition, being able to find a common ground with someone while discussing a topic is beneficial to the mental health of your loved ones.
As both generations share the peculiarities of their lifestyles, they begin to learn from each other.
Renewed Sense of Purpose
The importance of these programs extends beyond their positive effect on the health of your loved ones. It renews their sense of purpose as they are assigned a role. Your loved ones can decide to be a teacher, mentor, or even a grandparent. Irrespective of their role, they become more responsible. Now, it is not only about them, they become more confident and ready to be useful to society.
The programs will enhance the self-worth of your loved ones and they will be ready to be a positive influence on younger generations.
