Why children should interact with seniors.

There is so much we can learn from someone who has lived more life than we have. And that is even more true in the age divide of children and seniors or grandparents. That time is so important!

How often do your kids spend time with senior members of the community? Are there senior citizens even in their community? Our society is divided generationally. Kids go to school with other kids. Families spend time with other families in the same stage of life. A child interacting with someone 50-70 years their senior rarely happens. Grandparents? Yes, but even that interaction is infrequent with fewer families living near their elderly family.

This is a new phenomenon. 

Historically, kids were raised in frequent interaction with elders and the elderly. Whether it was living near grandparents or small towns and communities, intergenerational interaction was common. A report from Generations United found that “meaningful cross-age relationships may decrease social isolation and increase older adults’ sense of belonging, self-esteem, and well-being, while also improving social and emotional skills of children and youth participants.” When children spend time with older generations, the benefits are profound – for both parties.

Children experience an increase in empathy, sensitivity to others, higher developmental scores, advanced motor and cognitive skills, and more advanced social and emotional competencies than peers who did not have intergenerational interaction. Among the elderly, those who interact with children report lower levels of loneliness, reduced agitation and improved health. Talk about a win-win!

How can you bring this into your family? 

First, find a way to serve at a local assisted living or nursing home. 

• If you live near Charlotte, you can join the Meck serve day at Cadence Living, which occurs each month. 

Check out this shout out to some kids from MecKidz who served with the elderly at Cadence Living Huntersville absolutely love it! 

• If you don’t live near Charlotte, call up a few nursing or assisted living homes in your area. Odds are they have serving opportunities available.
• Prioritize interactions between your children and the elderly in your family (visit often and bring your kids)
• Care for and find ways to serve the elderly in your neighborhood. You can bake cookies, write cards, visit while on a walk, etc.

 When you spend time with the elderly as a family, here are a few tips:

• Keep visits short and sweet.
• Bring a simple activity. Coloring or board games are GREAT!
• Help your kids think of a few questions to ask before the visit. 
• Bring all ages of kids, and encourage them to talk to the elderly. Kids love a willing ear, and elderly love a child’s voice.

This is such a simple way to love and serve others, and we hope you take full advantage of it!

 

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