The Power of Intergenerational Connections – Conversations to Remember

“Connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.” – Margaret Mead

Intergenerational connections—what are they, and why are they so important?

Intergenerational connections are meaningful interactions between individuals from different generations within families, communities, or society. These relationships involve the exchange of experiences, knowledge, values, and compassion between people of diverse age groups. At Conversations to Remember, we foster intergenerational connections nationwide through our virtual visit volunteer program. In this program, young adults participate in weekly video visits with seniors, building relationships by sharing stories and experiences over time.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Connections

Intergenerational relationships offer significant benefits for both younger and older generations.

For Younger People

Engaging with older individuals provides younger people with connections to the past, valuable life lessons, and guidance. Importantly, it can also help to combat the growing issue of loneliness among youth. According to the Newport Institute, one in three young adults report feeling lonely. This parallels the loneliness experienced by many seniors, underscoring the potential of intergenerational connections to address isolation in both populations.

Through these relationships, younger individuals gain insights from the lived experiences of older adults, helping them navigate various challenges and decisions in life—wisdom that can only come from a “been there, done that” perspective that many of their similarly-aged peers cannot offer. Additionally, conversations with seniors about past events and societal changes can broaden a younger person’s perspective on the world.

Furthermore, intergenerational relationships can challenge stereotypes and reduce ageism. Naturally, due to conventional social structures, individuals tend to spend more time with people their own age, leading to misconceptions about other generations. However, younger adults spending time with older adults can help them see that they have more in common than they think, promoting the understanding that mutual respect can transcend age differences. This can allow younger people to become more empathetic and develop the ability to view the world around them from multiple angles and perspectives, fostering personal growth.

For Older Adults

For older individuals, intergenerational connections provide a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and social support. Engaging with younger generations keeps the mind active and can bring fulfillment and meaning to life.

In 2023, one in three adults aged 50–80 reported feeling socially isolated. The National Poll on Healthy Aging consistently finds that isolation, lack of companionship, and infrequent social contact are linked to worse physical and mental health outcomes for older adults, which demonstrates the importance of social connectivity.

According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began tracking more than 700 men in 1938 and continues to this day, older adults who invested in and worked toward developing relationships with the next generation were three times as likely to be happy compared to those who did not. This shows that it’s not just about interacting with others—it’s about the unique benefits of intergenerational connections. Connecting with younger people can give older adults a renewed sense of purpose. By sharing advice and life stories, they can provide guidance and offer support.

Moreover, just as younger generations benefit from the wisdom and life experiences of older individuals, younger generations often bring fresh perspectives and technological savviness that can benefit older adults. People of different generations have much to learn from one another, and spending time together is an intellectually stimulating endeavor for both.

Bridging the Gap

As Peter Thompson, the Executive Director of The Senior Center, aptly states:

“We seem to understand the value of having diverse relationships with people of different socioeconomic, faith, racial, or other backgrounds. The same is true for engaging with a wide variety of ages.”

Intergenerational connections bridge the gap between age groups, promoting understanding, empathy, and mutual support. In turn, these relationships foster a sense of community, belonging, and joy while combating loneliness.

At Conversations to Remember, we are proud to foster these connections and witness their transformative power. By bringing generations together, we’re helping to make the world a more compassionate and connected place.

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