The Princeton Senior Living Encourages Intergenerational Relationships Between Children and Older Adults

As we age, health becomes a major focus of our daily lives. We begin to think more about eating well, getting enough exercise, and keeping our minds active. But health is more than that – it also includes our relationships with others, specifically intergenerational relationships. 

According to an article in Press & News, there are the many benefits of intergenerational relationships between children and older adults.  

• 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 greater respect for and value of older adults.  
• It helps keep stories and history alive within families and the greater community. 

At The Princeton Senior Living, we promote intergenerational relationships in many ways! As the Resident Services Director, I have created different opportunities for intergenerational relationships. We have a Girl Scout troop that comes in quarterly to sing and play games with our Assisted Living and Memory Care residents. Our partnership with Summit Christian Academy, for middle school and high school students, bring volunteers to all three Neighborhoods to call bingo, participate in exercise classes, and even help paint nails. We also host the Cedar Creek Elementary School choir that come and perform for our residents.

The Princeton is always working on different occasions around the community such as, trick-or-treat events for Halloween, Christmas caroling, and Easter egg hunts. All of these are the many ways we work toward intergenerational relationships!

When observing the interactions between children and older adults, it’s easy to see how much older adults really have to offer to children, and vice versa! They share smiles, memories, information, and more. The biggest benefit I see from these different events, programs, and outings is the pure joy it brings to our residents. Seeing them smile, engage, and laugh with the children is what it is all about. And on the flip side, getting to see the kids learn from our residents, ask them questions about their past, and hear their stories, it brings education and perspective to the children in the Lee’s Summit community.   

Each of our communities works hard to foster intergenerational relationships and memorable experiences.   

Source: Engage at Every Age: The benefits of intergenerational relationships – Senior Community Services