As a grandparent myself, I have learned the importance of teaching values such as kindness and unselfishness to my grandchildren. Children naturally want to give back, but often do not “volunteer” their services unless asked…which is typical for many people. As a professional working in senior healthcare and housing communities, there are countless opportunities for children to enrich the lives of seniors who no longer are able to live in their own homes. Senior facilities often develop robust “intergenerational programs” bringing children from local preschools or schools in to spend time with seniors who live there.
For many seniors who are faced with health declines, the loss of a spouse, or living far away from their family, having the opportunity to spend time with children means a lot. In our communities, local children “volunteer” to do art projects, share a favorite book, stroll through the garden with an elder, or enjoy a challenging game of checkers. With the advance of technology, our youth have been able to help our seniors work on the computer, experience an online video game, or share favorite travel photos from the internet.
I began taking my own grandson, Noah, in to volunteer at a local senior community when he was just 3. It started as simple as making Valentines to deliver to seniors without local family, and now at age 11, he is a regular at providing magic tricks and playing chess with his senior friends. Noah has also benefitted from seniors who have taken the time to listen to him discuss his favorite hobbies, how he did at his last basketball game, or even offer to help him with his homework. This mutual “volunteerism” among generations is an important part of health and wellness for both young and old.
Very young children rarely react negatively to older or ill people, but may be fearful of going into strange environments. Older children and teenagers may respond negatively to illness or disability, and may need time and assistance in adjusting. Your reaction to visiting and to aging in general will have an effect on those children. You can show them, through modeling, that visiting with an older relative or friend can be rewarding and worthwhile, then the children’s visits are more likely to be positive intergenerational experiences for everyone.
It is a wonderful and healthy thing to be able to experience all generations no matter how old or how young we are. We have a great opportunity as grandparents to help our grandchildren use their many talents to serve others. This not only benefits our elders living in care facilities but builds self-esteem, purpose and incredible values in our future generations.
For more opportunities about intergenerational volunteering or about Vivage Senior Living, visit www.vivage.com or call 303.238.3838.
Nancy Schwalm, is the Chief Business Development Officer, for Vivage Senior Living. Vivage.com