Intergenerational connections describe the relationships we make with those who are in different age brackets than us. These relationships are vital for fostering a common understanding. By connecting across generations, we can better empathize with those around us and learn about life through their diverse perspectives and experiences.
In turn, these connections offer us a chance to challenge any biases or stereotypes we may subconsciously hold about age groups we aren’t familiar with. We continue to grow and mature by applying the lessons we learn to our own lives. Now, more than ever, these connections are crucial to cultivate as we enter a more digitized world that may not resonate with the older generation. If we do nothing to bridge this generational gap, it can be expected to grow as the younger generation drifts farther from the social norms and culture that the older generation is accustomed to.
Addressing Ageism and the Generational Gap
We cannot discuss the current generational gap without bringing up ageism. Ageism is defined as the discrimination and harassment older adults experience because of their age. Unfortunately, rates of ageism are on the rise throughout the world.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a staggering 93% of adults ages 50 to 80 reported experiencing regular ageism in their everyday life. This statistic is concerning because, without proper remediation, ageism can decrease a person’s quality of life, leading them to make more risky decisions.
Furthermore, this lack of understanding and respect towards older adults can heighten rates of elder abuse and mistreatment. Consequently, due to previous negative experiences, older adults may socially isolate themselves in fear of rejection and the unknown. While these actions are understandable, they can still lead to intense feelings of stagnation and a deep longing to socialize. These instances underscore how prominent the generational gap is for older adults and the urgency to mitigate it for a more inclusive, welcoming environment.
Combating Social Isolation: Benefits for Older Adults
Older adults can significantly boost their sociability and well-being by engaging in intergenerational connections. This is particularly important for seniors who generally report statistically significant rates of social isolation and loneliness. Research indicates that loneliness increases with age at alarming rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic only heightened these rates, as the world was quarantining. Ongoing research indicates that loneliness and isolation stemming from the pandemic are positively correlated with cognitive decline in older adults. As time progresses, the long-term effects of the pandemic are still developing. Nevertheless, this data clearly shows that making intergenerational connections is crucial as we age.
Why Young Adults Need Intergenerational Connections
Young adults also benefit profoundly from intergenerational connections. Interacting with seniors can increase their self-esteem and improve their communicative skills.
At Conversations to Remember, we build strong intergenerational relationships through our virtual visit volunteer program. Here, college-aged students interact weekly with an older adult who is experiencing loneliness and/or cognitive decline (e.g., dementia).
Many students express how meaningful these conversations are and how they learn valuable life lessons from the senior they speak with. Such testimonials attest to how important and effective intergenerational connections are at any age.
In addition, getting to learn more about older adults and interacting with them at an early age can set the tone for how these young adults view aging and senior treatment. Such experiences can establish deep intrapersonal revelations, which can subsequently influence how the student advocates for older adults and how they live their lives as they age.
Take Action: Cultivating Connections Today
If you are interested in making a difference, please consider searching for ways to interact with someone who is not in the same age bracket as you.
- Volunteer: Begin by volunteering at an organization like Conversations to Remember, where you can gain experience working in diverse areas.
- Join Clubs: Join clubs that host events with people of different ages (e.g., sewing or crocheting groups).
- Educate Yourself: Take measures to educate yourself about the experiences older and/or younger adults face. That way, you can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a certain age while simultaneously questioning any preconceived notions you have.
Ultimately, taking these steps can lead to more fruitful conversations with a wider range of people. You will be helping to bridge the generational gap we are currently facing while increasing the vital intergenerational connections in our communities.
