Vitalia Active Adult Community – Rockside 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 Vitalia Active Adult Community – Rockside, we promote intergenerational relationships in many ways! Some of them include our monthly Story Corner and holiday events, such as Easter egg hunts and Halloween trick-or-treating. These events always bring smiles to our residents’ faces. Having several high school age servers and younger staff members, our older adults also enjoy connecting with them. Intergenerational relationships are special no matter the age!

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. Intergenerational relationships are so important for both parties. It provides numerous benefits for both the residents and kids involved!   

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