When you think of current public health concerns, what comes to mind? Mental health disorders, vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems and environmental pollution might be at the top of the list. One that many don’t think of? Loneliness.
According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, approximately 50% of adults reported experiencing feelings of loneliness in the United States — and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the peak of the pandemic, especially during periods of isolation, the number likely grew, particularly among who lived alone or had limited access to technology to stay connected with loved ones.
Loneliness is associated with a heightened risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression and even premature death. What if we, as families and as a society, took action to build or strengthen relationships across generations?
These intergenerational relationships can yield significant benefits for everyone involved. Today, we’re diving into five key advantages that multiple generations can expect from fostering these connections.
#1 Establishing Emotional Support
As older adults begin to lose friends and family members to illness and aging, they often face prolonged periods of loneliness. However, by interacting with younger generations, they can find a renewed sense of comfort and purpose.
These connections provide emotional support not just for older adults but for younger individuals as well. By sharing their experiences and life lessons, older adults can inspire young people, helping them navigate modern-day challenges. These exchanges allow younger people to seek advice from those who have “been there and done that.” Both generations benefit: Young people gain valuable insights, while older adults experience a renewed sense of purpose by offering their guidance and being of service.
#2 Gaining Practical Knowledge
Through intergenerational relationships, young people have the opportunity to listen to their grandparents, absorbing life lessons, practical advice and perspectives shaped by different historical experiences. Conversely, children and teens can help older adults stay technologically savvy, ensuring they feel comfortable using various forms of technology to communicate, play games and stay socially connected through social media, video calls and online communities.
#3 Building Community Ties
When people think of intergenerational relationships, they often envision bonds between grandchildren and their older relatives. However, these connections can extend far beyond family ties. Through initiatives like telephone visits, digital buddy programs and live-in student arrangements in elderly care facilities, anyone can build meaningful relationships with individuals from different generations.
These connections help foster a sense of community and bridge the gap that typically forms between age groups. By crossing that divide, multiple generations work together to break down stereotypes that suggest young people and older adults have little in common. In doing so, they promote inclusivity and introduce the idea that shared experiences and mutual understanding can transcend age differences.
#4 Experiencing Personal Growth
Young people often focus primarily on themselves, a phenomenon known as adolescent egocentrism. During this period, many teenagers believe their perspectives are the only valid ones. However, forming relationships with older family members allows them to hear different viewpoints and adjust their understanding of the world.
Through these connections, teens can also gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges older adults have faced, often putting their own experiences into perspective. For instance, a recent breakup might feel less overwhelming after hearing how a grandparent coped with the unexpected loss of a significant other in a car accident. Comparisons like these can help them realize that others have faced and overcome hardships, offering a sense of resilience and perspective in their own lives.
#5 Preserving Family Traditions
When children and grandchildren form lasting relationships, they help keep family traditions alive. Whether it’s passing down family stories or preserving family customs like mastering your great-grandmother’s famous peach pie — one that no Betty Crocker recipe could replicate — intergenerational relationships provide the opportunity to create a family legacy that endures through time.
Help Older Adults Create Lasting Intergenerational Relationships
Whether you’re rebuilding relationships with family members or looking to establish new connections with older adults, if you have a passion for enhancing the lives of older generations, a career in aging might be worth exploring. The University of Florida offers several online graduate-level credentials in innovative aging studies to help you achieve your career goals while maintaining a stable work-life balance, including:
- Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies – This 30-credit, fully online program is designed for professionals new to the field or those seeking to advance their careers in aging. The curriculum includes 24 core credits that cover the biological, clinical, psychological, sociological, legal, and ethical aspects of aging. Additionally, you’ll have 6 elective credits to customize your studies based on your interests and professional goals.
- Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging – This program is ideal for individuals who are interested in the field of aging, but want to gain a broader scope of understanding in multiple areas of healthcare. With 15 credits concentrating on age-related topics, and 15 credits focusing on medical physiology, you’ll graduate with a robust combination of knowledge and skills that will help you excel no matter what type of healthcare career you plan to pursue.
- Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice – In just 15 credit hours, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of key concepts in aging. The program, crafted by experienced professors, covers five critical subjects in the expanding field of aging, providing you with the tools needed to stand out when applying to professional schools.
All of our online programs are competitively priced, 100% online, and taught by distinguished faculty members at one of U.S. News’ top 50 national universities in the country. We offer year-round start dates, and look forward to seeing your application for the upcoming semester!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8162327/
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
https://www.nextavenue.org/intergenerational-care-models-are-thriving/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198897/