Inter-generational bonding is an umbrella
term in itself. Yet let us first understand the emotional need which is
fulfilled through such a bonding. It consists of the bonding of the aging and
young generation on friendly, cordial and co-operative terms. Such a bonding is
a medium to develop an equal understanding level between grandparents and
grandchildren. The wide term, ‘Inter-generational bonding’ would include the
acceptance of each other’s thought processes, changing habits, preferences,
choices and behavior. It is increasingly important for both the generations to
openly accept each other the way they are. For example, the elderly should
openly accept the trends of younger generation; it includes receptiveness for
and learning of the new technology and social networking too. If both are
connected via the new forms of communication and networking like email, Whats
App, Hike messenger, Facebook, then it would help the younger generation to
relate with their elders. Also, elders can appreciate the transformed and
trendy dressing styles and lifestyle of the youngsters. Similarly, the younger
generation should also spend quality time with their grandparents; for
instance, if grandchildren are staying away, then they can at least meet their
grandparents on weekends or celebrate the seniors’ birthdays and anniversaries
together. If all the three generations are staying together then parents and
grandparents can spend time and take care of their elders every day; all the
family members can have dinner together and talk for sometime every day. Such
minute but important gestures would remarkably contribute to strengthen
inter-generational bonding. It plays an important role to satisfy the emotional
need of the aging population. It helps the grandparents to meet their
grandchildren during their aging phase. And, the grandchildren too can
experience the precious company of their grandparents.
According to HelpAge India, India’s elderly population is estimated to become 200 million till
2030. Also, at present 95 million Indians are above the age of 60. Moreover,
today’s lifestyle is changing due to more of online interactions
instead of actual, personal interactions. In addition to this, the academic and
professional commitments too, have increased. It has thus led to the growth of
an online culture. These are one of the factors which have resulted into lack
of inter-generational interaction. So, the
SAVE (Student Action for Value Education) program,
a HelpAge India initiative plays an important
role to bridge this gap between elders and youngsters. Through
this program, activities, games and festival celebrations are organized to
enable and strengthen inter-generational bond. Thus, SAVE ensures that the
elderly population is relieved of isolation and neglect by participating
in such interactive, refreshing activities.
Silver Innings
is a Mumbai-based social enterprise (For profit) which was formed to provide
need based services to India’s elderly population. Since 2008, Silver Innings
along with A-1 Snehanjali, its sister concern have been conducting refreshing inter-generational
programs. The purpose of these programs is to create harmony between both the
generations. They conduct activities such as music and dance events,
story-telling, summer camp, recreational games, SIFC Football club matches, 60
v/s 16 Cricket matches etc. These programs help create a unique bond between
elders and youngsters. It creatively portrays the long term vision of Silver
Innings – ‘Creating elder-friendly world where ageing becomes a positive and
rewarding experience.’ Silver Innings is living with its aim of supporting and
caring for the growing number of elderly in our country. Therefore, it is
playing a vital role to bond the elder and young generation.
SKIP
is a Canada-based organization which has been working for a decade to develop
cordial, co-operative and unique relation between the senior and younger
generation. SKIP (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Programs) organizes intergenerational bonding programs. For
example, it hosts interesting activities and games for elders and youngsters.
These activities make the seniors feel satisfied since they can freely share
their life stories with the youngsters. The youngsters too feel equally
comfortable to interact with elders because of this unique medium of
interaction. SKIP helps elders to engage themselves creatively and mentally in
order to gradually reduce their loneliness. Consequently, these programs have
helped the youngsters understand the importance of elders in a very better
manner. (Click video
to watch SKIP activities.) Thus, SKIP plays a remarkable role to facilitate
interaction between elders and youngsters. Such an inter-generational bonding
has been positively helping the elders to live life in a renewed way. (Click video
to watch its founder speak)
A
paper entitled, ‘Promoting intergenerational understanding between the young
and old: the case of Singapore Leng Leng Thang, National University of
Singapore’has been published on UN website (Please
click UN to view the entire paper). It has described the efforts that were done
on a national level to promote intergenerational bonding. The paper states
that, ‘In Singapore, the setting up of the taskforce to promote grandparenting
and intergenerational bonding in July 2002 by the Singapore Ministry of
Community Development (now expanded as the Ministry of Community Development,
Youth and Sports) could be regarded as the starting point of state effort to
promote intergenerational initiatives in Singapore.’ [Note: The Ministry of
Community Development, Youth and Sports restructured on 1st
November, 2012 as Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)]. The State
has been promoting the celebration of Grandparent’s Day on every 4th
Sunday of November. The purpose of this day is to make the younger generation
realize the importance of grandparent’s contribution to their life. Later, in
2005, a Gen3 Fund Inter-School Competition was arranged as part of the
activities of the National Family Week. The Gen3 Fund played a very important
role to fund the recreational, fun-filled activities conducted by Singapore
Government.
Another
paper entitled, ‘Ageing families in Singapore’ was published in February 2015 by
Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Singapore. It has stated that
family support is very crucial and valuable for the aged members. Such support
has been provided to the aged members – emotionally, physically and financially
by their family members. The paper states that , ‘The Perception and Attitudes
towards Ageing and Seniors (PATAS) survey in 2013 found that 96.5% of
respondents aged between 50 and 74 years agreed that family support was key to
successful ageing.’ It further explains that, ‘In the Housing and Development
Board (HDB) Sample Household Survey (SHS) 2013, the majority of elderly
residents expressed confidence that they were able to rely on their children
for physical, emotional and financial support. They also reported that they
were able to rely more on their unmarried children as most of them were living
together, compared to their married children for physical support, while they
were able to rely similarly on both married and unmarried children for
emotional and financial support.’ Thus, a caring nature and sensitive behavior
by the grown-up, responsible children towards their parents too forms an
important part of intergenerational bonding.
Now let us understand the
intergenerational bonding which can happen at workplace too in a comprehensive
and creative manner. Employseniors.org
(Ohio, U.S.A.) provides free employment services inclusive of guidance and
support from a Volunteer Job Counselor, job referrals; it acts as a link
between seniors aged 50 & above and the employers; organizes Annual Senior Job Fair which hosts
career, educational programs and networking with local employers; it also undertakes
workshops and programs to broaden career options of senior citizens; it
provides resources to elderly job seekers to attain employment for achieving
financial stability for themselves and their family.
Seniors.lovetoknow.com
mentions some work from home jobs for senior citizens. They can creatively
engage themselves in online jobs like selling products on ebay, paid blogging,
working as consultant, conducting tuitions, cooking/catering, tailoring etc.
Yet, there is an intense need to unite the younger and senior population at
workplace. It would enhance a new kind of intergenerational bonding. Moreover,
it would be an excellent way to create earning opportunity for elderly people.
As a result, they would achieve dignity, financial stability and social
belongingness. The increasing population of seniors and their rising isolation
can also be dealt with in this way. The efforts of Government and business
world would play a very significant role to employ the growing number of
elderly in their companies along with young executives.
Thus, the inter-generational bonding would cater to our
elderly population in terms of emotional and physical support as well as
financial support. It would remarkably build and develop their self-reliance
and self-respect.
Long live
intergenerational bonding!!
By Sneha Tipnis
About Author:
Sneha Tipnis is a freelance writer from India. She has been writing for online writers’ platforms like writersbureau.com, Triond, Authspot and Bookstove. She writes content for websites, brochures, blogs and social media updates. She’s an English Literature Graduate and Masters in Educational Technology – Computer Applications (MET-CA). She has worked in the e learning industry for a year pertaining to Masters Degree. She’s a student of The Writers Bureau (A renowned Writing College in UK), Manchester, London.
