10 benefits of intergenerational relationships

The chains of relationships between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren are known as intergenerational relationships.

As society has changed and evolved, so have the family ties changed over time. All families are different, and therefore different families interact in different ways. Some families are close-knit, and have frequent contact with each other and give importance to providing care as it becomes necessary for aging loved ones. Other families may feel simply an obligatory sense of duty when it comes to caring for each other, but may not share the same emotional bond.

When people are raised in different time periods, their values and perceptions of the world can be quite different, and this can lead to difficulties in understanding one another. The generation gap is widening due to fast changing lifestyle, globalization, migration of young and influence of diverse ideologies. Because of this gap in understanding between generations, it is important for one generation to make a special effort to understand the other generations. Parents and caregivers can create opportunities for children and older adults to spend time together in order to build a relationship.

Adults who experienced close intergenerational interaction are less prone to depression and have better physical health as they feel more active and productive. They tend to be happier with their present life and more hopeful for the future.

Intergenerational bonding is good for everyone, and also has many benefits starting from improving the immune system to enhancing social intelligence.

1. It provides an opportunity for both to learn new skills.
2. It gives the child and the older adult a sense of purpose.
3. Helps children to understand and later accept their own aging.
4. Engaging with children invigorates and energizes older adults.
5. It prevents the isolation and loneliness of older adults.
6. Intergenerational sharing helps in keeping family stories and history alive.
7. It is an aid in cognitive stimulation as well as broadening social circles especially when the youth introduce technology into the life of older adults.
8. It also improves mental health so that they can perform better on memory tests, and those with dementia also experience positive effects.
9. It reduces feelings of sadness as these are experiences they enjoy and look forward to.
10. It increases their self-worth and self-esteem along with improved performance.

Developing connections with a younger generation can help older adults feel a greater sense of fulfillment.