Intergenerational Benefits for Older Adults

Intergenerational Connections: Importance for Older Adults

As people age, they often find themselves disconnected from the younger generation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. However, studies have shown that intergenerational connections can have numerous benefits for older adults, including improved mental and physical health, increased social support, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life. In this essay, we will explore the importance of intergenerational connections for older adults and how they can benefit from these relationships.

The importance of intergenerational relationships for older adults cannot be overstated. Interacting with individuals from different generations can provide many benefits for older adults, including enhanced cognitive abilities, improved emotional well-being, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. This essay will explore the various benefits of intergenerational relationships for older adults and provide examples of how older adults can engage with younger generations.

Firstly, intergenerational relationships can help older adults maintain cognitive function. Research shows that older adults who engage in intergenerational activities have better cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This is because intergenerational interactions challenge older adults to think outside of their usual patterns and perspectives, which can stimulate their brains and enhance their cognitive abilities. For example, older adults who engage in activities with younger generations, such as playing games or solving puzzles together, can improve their cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline.

Secondly, intergenerational relationships can improve emotional well-being for older adults. Older adults often experience loneliness and social isolation, which can have negative effects on their mental health. However, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with social support, companionship, and a sense of purpose. For example, older adults who volunteer with younger generations, such as mentoring or tutoring programs, can experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from helping others. Additionally, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with opportunities to learn new skills or knowledge from younger generations, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Thirdly, intergenerational relationships can give older adults a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Older adults may feel a loss of purpose or relevance as they age, especially if they have retired or experienced other life transitions. However, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with a sense of purpose and a reason to keep learning and growing. For example, older adults who engage in intergenerational activities, such as teaching or mentoring younger generations, can feel valued and important. Additionally, intergenerational relationships can help older adults see the world from a different perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges of younger generations.

Intergenerational connections can improve the mental and physical health of older adults. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive decline. However, studies have shown that older adults who have regular interactions with younger people have better mental and physical health outcomes than those who do not. For example, a study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that older adults who participated in intergenerational programs had lower rates of depression, improved cognitive function, and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life.

One more example of an intergenerational program that benefits older adults is the Experience Corps. This program pairs older adults with elementary school students, where they serve as tutors and mentors. The program has been shown to improve academic outcomes for students and enhance emotional well-being for older adults. Another example is the Foster Grandparent Program, which connects older adults with at-risk youth in their communities. Older adults serve as role models and provide emotional support for these children, which can improve their well-being and reduce behavioral problems.

Furthermore, intergenerational connections can provide older adults with increased social support, which can be particularly important for those who live alone or have limited social networks. Studies have shown that older adults who have regular contact with younger people report higher levels of social support, which can lead to greater feelings of happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction. Additionally, intergenerational relationships can provide older adults with opportunities to mentor and guide younger people, which can help them feel valued and respected within their communities.

Another benefit of intergenerational connections for older adults is the sense of purpose and meaning that comes from engaging with younger generations. Many older adults struggle with finding purpose and meaning in their lives after retirement, particularly if they feel disconnected from the larger community. However, intergenerational programs and relationships can provide older adults with opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences with younger people, which can give them a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Additionally, older adults who participate in intergenerational programs often report feeling more connected to their communities and more engaged in civic life.

There are many ways in which older adults can engage with younger generations to experience the benefits of intergenerational relationships. For example, older adults can volunteer with organizations that work with children or young adults, such as schools, libraries, or community centers. They can also participate in intergenerational programs, such as mentoring or tutoring programs, where they can share their knowledge and skills with younger generations. Additionally, older adults can engage in activities that bring together people of different ages, such as community service projects or cultural events.

Finally, intergenerational connections can help to break down age-based stereotypes and promote understanding between generations. In today's society, age-based stereotypes are often perpetuated by the media and other cultural institutions, which can lead to negative attitudes and beliefs about older adults. However, intergenerational relationships can help to challenge these stereotypes and promote greater understanding and respect between generations. When older adults interact with younger people, they can share their experiences and perspectives, which can help to break down stereotypes and foster greater empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, intergenerational connections are important for older adults because they can improve their mental and physical health, increase their social support networks, provide them with a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and promote understanding between generations. As the population ages, it is increasingly important to promote intergenerational connections and programs that bring together people of all ages. By doing so, we can help to create more vibrant and connected communities that benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.

Volunteers – The true peers of senior citizens!!

By Sneha Tipnis

Life is indeed a very beautiful journey! But it tends to slow down during one’s silver age (An endearing term for life during one’s old age). The elderly become more sensitive during their silver age. They need special care and attention at every moment since waking up in the morning!! It is fantastic if you are a healthy, active & energetic senior citizen! But some seniors find it difficult to cope with their daily tasks during this delicate, silver age. So, here’s a way out for you to enjoy every moment of your silver life with a team of trained, positive & caring volunteers!!

Courtesy: http://jimmyscambridge.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/volunteers.jpg

One such organization is Silver Innings (SI) and A1 Snehanjali (A1S) ! It is supported by Silver Inning Foundation, It has in-house employees and staff who take care of every single need of resident senior citizens (The person suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s). As stated by Silver Inning Foundation (SIF), ‘An individual is considered senior citizen at 60yrs and can only then avail services from civil and non-civil society. SIF addresses individuals from 50 yrs onwards to enable the process of aging gracefully and be well equipped to handle old age.’ The team of in-house employees and staff at SI and A1S  provides all the basic needs of senior citizens like food, medical aid, housing, rehabilitation, clothing and counseling. It also satisfactorily and responsibly caters to the overall physical and mental health of the resident elderly. SI and A1S plays an important, moral role of equipping and supporting the family members of elderly residents. It helps the family members to manage and care for their older members at home. The SI and A1S has a reliable and strong support in the form of medical professionals on their panel. The help and guidance of this panel remarkably contributes to the assisted living elder care home called A1 SNEHANJALI . The SIF appoints volunteers to organize and conduct recreational, entertaining events for senior citizens. These events include World Elder’s Day, Senior Citizen’s Talent Show etc. The volunteers also help to clean the surroundings of the facility (The property where Silver Innings and A1 Snehanjali is located) and undertake plantation drives. Such an efficient team of volunteers also conducts games & activities for the resident elders. 

Another assisted living, non-profit, senior living community called Eskaton (Watch video) is situated in the greater Sacramento area, California, U.S.A. It was founded in 1968 and at present, it is the largest nonprofit, community-based organization which serves 12,000 seniors annually in the Greater Sacramento area. In 2016, Eskaton won the highest honour of Sacramento region’s most health-conscious employer in the category - medium-size organization. Team Eskaton won it for the third consecutive year. The term, Eskaton, itself means ‘Dawn of a new day.’ Their committed and dedicated team provides a unique range of services and support (Click this link) for this senior community. So, their core purpose is ensuring the dawn of a new age for innovative health, housing and social services.

Team Eskaton which consists of 2000 staff actively provides personalized care and services like nursing, short-term rehabilitation, community living till in-home services. Team Eskaton is formed of physicians, therapists, licensed nurses, nursing assistants and dieticians. The Home Support services are comprised of programs like Live Well at Home, Transportation plus etc. Out of these, the Live Well at Home provides individual, home care support for older or disabled senior citizens. This support is provided to them at their homes or in an independent/ assisted living, skilled nursing or hospitals. At all these places, the required assistance is provided to the resident elderly for maintaining a safe and independent lifestyle. A detailed, free care assessment is conducted by Team Eskaton to cater for the customized needs and interests of the Sacramento community. The ‘Live Well at Home’ is inclusive of facilities like companion services, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, nutrition & dining services, household services, transitional care, home safety assessments, evaluation of cognitive and emotional well-being, special care for Dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, community engagement & recreational activities etc. This Care Management is efficiently tackled by a team of skilful volunteers and Care Managers like licensed nurses and social workers.

There is another, well established and California (U.S.) based foundation called Caregivers - Volunteers assisting the elderly (Click link to watch video of Tammy Glenn, Executive Director, Caregivers.) It was founded in 1984 with a grant from the Interfaith Council on Aging and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Consequently, it successfully served hundreds of seniors in 6 cities all over the Ventura County which ranks among one of the largest aging populations in entire U.S. Since 1984, Caregivers (Click link to know more) has diligently taken care of nearly 3,000 elderly, frail and homebound residents of Ventura County. These elderly clients are beyond 60 years of age and suffer from several chronic, age-centric problems like decreased mobility, loneliness and absence of income. Therefore, Caregivers stepped in for their help. Their mission of Caregivers’ volunteers is to promote sound health, well-being, dignity and independence of the elderly. In order to do so they have been offering non-professional and non-medical services. The volunteers at Caregivers are meticulously trained ones who work for 2 to 4 hours per week to accompany, help the Ventura seniors live independently. These volunteers carry out gardening or minor household tasks which become difficult, tiresome for aging elders. During this process, they build strong personal relationships to emotionally support the community of elders. Also, high school students assist the elderly at their home under an intergenerational program called ‘Building Bridges.’ These students perform the cumbersome tasks like yard work, sweeping, vacuuming, washing windows etc. for the elderly.

Thus, the above examples truly show that volunteers are indeed the true peers of senior citizens!! 

About Author 

Sneha Tipnis is a freelance writer from India. She writes content for websites, brochures, resumes, 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.

You can connect with Sneha on her blog: goldentipsmumbai.blogspot.in, Google+, LinkedIn and Facebook.

How to live your Flourishing Fifties with hobbies ? by Sneha Tipnis

There are certain age related health disorders. These disorders include Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Of these, Dementia happens due to the deterioration of a person’s cognitive (brain) functioning. Later, it progresses to lead to Alzheimer’s, which causes the death of a person’s brain cells. And, as a result, the brain shrinks. According to NIA (National Institute for Health, Bethesda, U.S.), ‘Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of Dementia among older adults.’ Lastly, Parkinson’s disease causes memory loss or dementia. According to a video uploaded by Khan Academy Medicine, Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. It involves the loss of control over body movements. Parkinson’s can surface and show symptoms during age of less than 50 years of a person.

Yet there are ways to keep oneself fresh and fit owing to such diseases during old age i.e. 55 years and above. Especially, in case of memory loss due to Dementia, mental stimulation becomes very important to keep one’s brain fit. Several memory games and activities are helpful to keep the senior citizens mentally fresh and fit. According to http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/, there are number of memory games like jigsaw puzzles, crossword, word search and Sudoku; other games for improving memory include Dominoes, Checkers, Chess, card games and Scrabble.

Apart from these memory games, certain activities and hobbies are also beneficial for people 55 years and above. As per, http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/ these hobbies include drawing, painting, knitting, playing musical instrument, scrapbook making, woodworking, creating mosaics from tiles or colorful paper, photography, gardening etc. When people of 55 and above involve in these activities, they can mentally and creatively uplift themselves. As a result, their brain cells stimulate and freshen up. Also, playing games like chess, card games and gardening are very helpful for them to interact with their peers (Senior citizens aged 55 and above). Many of these hobbies help the elderly maintain eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. Also, those elderly who have short attention span, arthritis or poor eye-hand coordination, a craft or hobby can be modified to suit that person.

Thus, the mind or memory games help the elderly to re-establish recognition skills, and increase their memory power. These games and hobbies help the elderly to live a healthier and longer life. It enhances their social interaction and friendships. As a result, it helps them get rid off loneliness and depression.

So, it can be said that 50 and above is indeed a second innings for our elderly population!! And as the name speaks Silver Innings Group, it is truly a home for second innings of this silver population!! It is indeed a second and new phase of life for them!! So, they can truly enjoy their Flourishing Fifties!!


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.

You can connect with Sneha on her blog: goldentipsmumbai.blogspot.in, Google+, LinkedIn and Facebook page Thoughts, Feelings and Expressions.

Excellent Career Opportunity to work with Elders at 'Silver Innings' in Mumbai

Silver Innings is Mumbai base Social Enterprise Working with Senior Citizens since 2008, it is working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.

Post: Project Coordinator & Social Worker

Place: HQ: Mira Road / Mumbai

Work days: 6 Days a week

Time: 9.30am to 6pm. Saturday half day

Package: Salary Rs.15,000/- + TA + local mobile .

Probation: 6 months

Commitment: Minimum 2/ 3 years Contract. Outstanding work will be considered for extension.

Joining: Candidates who can Join Immediately or by 1st Dec 2015, should only apply

Qualification: Graduate / Post Graduate in Social Work, Sociology

Qualification in Mental Health, Gerontology, Psychology, Para Medical exposure will be an added advantage.

Age Limit: 25 yrs and above

Experience: Minimum 1 year preferred. Experience in Elder care facility/homes/NGO will be an added advantage. Candidates with more than 3 years experience need not apply.
Vacancy also open to Fresher’s with long term commitment with Salary of 12,000/- pm.

Preference: Candidates living between Virar and Andheri should only apply and Resident of Maharashtra and Mumbai based need only apply

Requirement: An understanding attitude with a positive mind set and Empathy towards all and commitment to work for Elderly is a primary requisite.

Candidates must be dynamic, articulate, quick learner, self starter, Pro active, Progressive, Non materialistic, and open to new ideas, Technology friendly and with passion for working with elderly.

Job involves frequent travel between Bhayandar and Virar and different of Mumbai, Thane and Palghar District, Initiation and Co-ordination of different projects and facilities, Conducting surveys, Writing reports/proposals, Conducting volunteers meetings, Managing and coordinating with volunteers, Representing at various forums, Handling dementia/Alzheimer's cases and Elder abuse case work, Counseling, Attending conference/seminar, Organizing/Conducting Workshop, Lecture, Talks, Coordination with government authorities, Handling CSR projects, Networking and Advocacy, Fund Raising, Event management, Leadership skills and ability to manage and motivate team/teams.
Must be good listener, computer and Internet literate with good oral and written skills of English language, interested in creativity - music, arts, dance etc. ready to work beyond working hours if required. Knowledge of Marathi and Hindi is must, any other language will be added advantage. Must be willing to travel anywhere in India.

Job Satisfaction Guaranteed !!!!  

Last day to Apply: 20th Nov 2015 by EMAIL ONLY

Interested candidates may please submit their CV, with a passport size photo and 2 references by email ONLY to silverinnings@gmail.com with the subject line indicating Project Coordinator – SI

No phone calls in this regard will be accepted and application by post/courier will not be entertained.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

If selected, offer letter will be given with job details of Roles and Responsibilities and Salary.

Interview to be held at Mira Road office.


Sailesh Mishra
Founder