Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted 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 – North Olmsted, we promote intergenerational relationships in many ways! We have so many great events. It’s always fun having kids around for holiday celebrations like Halloween trick-or-treat and Easter egg hunts, as well as family fun events. Residents have been involved in back-to-school events with our local high school and holiday celebrations with our local elementary school. We are building greater relationships with the students at the request of our residents. They love the idea of Seniors & Seniors, getting together with the high school seniors. They look forward to events where kids will be here, especially because not all of them have grandkids or great-grandchildren nearby.

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. Bringing youth together with our residents benefits everyone. Each generation has much to learn from the other. Having high school age kids in our community can introduce them to future career opportunities in this field. Young people bring energy to the community and smiles for everyone. It’s amazing how faces light up when interacting with kids. This improves everyone’s mood and thus health for our residents!   

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