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.

Family Support for Older People

 Family systems are the foundation of our society. A family system consists of various individuals who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Family systems vary from culture to culture, but their importance remains the same. The role of family in caring for older people has become increasingly important due to demographic changes and the growing aging population. This essay explores the family system and how it can help our older people.

PICTURE: https://sanalake.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Family-Roles-in-Addiction-Treatment-.jpg

The family system refers to the various roles, relationships, and interactions that exist between members of a family. Family systems are important as they provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and security. They also serve as a source of socialization, education, and values transmission. Family systems can have a significant impact on the physical, mental, and emotional health of their members.

The Importance of Older People 

Older people are an essential part of our society. They have contributed to our communities, economy, and culture throughout their lives. However, as they age, they may experience physical, mental, and emotional challenges. These challenges can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and poor health outcomes. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that older people have access to the care, support, and resources they need to age with dignity and respect.

Family System and Older People

The family system can play a vital role in supporting older people. Family members can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and social interaction that can improve the quality of life for older people. Family systems can also help older people maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of self-worth.

Emotional Support

Emotional support is essential for older people as they age. Family members can provide emotional support by being there to listen, provide encouragement, and offer reassurance. This emotional support can help older people cope with the challenges of aging, such as chronic illness, loss of mobility, and social isolation.

Practical Assistance

Older people may need practical assistance with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Family members can provide this assistance, which can help older people maintain their independence and quality of life. Practical assistance can also prevent older people from having to move into residential care or assisted living facilities, which can be expensive and may not provide the same level of comfort and support as the family home.

Social Interaction

Social interaction is vital for older people as it can help prevent social isolation and loneliness. Family members can provide social interaction by visiting, taking older people out, and involving them in family activities. Social interaction can improve the mental and emotional health of older people and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Maintaining Independence

Maintaining independence is essential for older people as it can help them maintain their sense of self-worth and dignity. Family members can help older people maintain their independence by providing practical assistance, emotional support, and social interaction. This support can help older people stay in their homes for longer, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

Challenges in Family System Support

While the family system can provide significant support for older people, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include:

Family Conflicts

Family conflicts can arise due to differences in opinions, expectations, and values. These conflicts can make it difficult to provide effective support for older people, and may even lead to neglect or abuse. It is essential to address family conflicts and find ways to resolve them to ensure that older people receive the support they need.

Caregiver Burnout

Family members who provide care for older people may experience caregiver burnout. This burnout can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can impact the quality of care provided. It is essential to provide support and resources to family caregivers to prevent burnout and ensure that older people receive required care and love. 

Financial Strain

Providing support for older people can be expensive, especially if they have significant health or mobility issues. Family members may need to provide financial assistance, which can strain their own finances. It is essential to plan for the financial costs of supporting older family members to ensure that everyone is prepared for the financial strain.

Distance

Family members may live far away from each other, making it challenging to provide support for older family members. Distance can limit the amount of practical assistance and social interaction that family members can provide. It is essential to find ways to overcome the distance barrier, such as through regular phone or video calls, or by arranging visits when possible.

Limited Resources

Some families may not have the resources to provide adequate support for older family members. This may be due to financial constraints, health issues, or other challenges. It is essential to identify available resources and support services that can help families provide the necessary support for older family members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, family systems can play a vital role in supporting older people. Emotional support, practical assistance, social interaction, and maintaining independence are all crucial elements of the support that family members can provide. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, such as family conflicts, caregiver burnout, financial strain, distance, and limited resources. It is essential to find ways to overcome these challenges and provide the necessary support to ensure that older people age with dignity and respect. The family system remains an essential component of our society, and we must continue to value and support it in caring for our aging population.

Remember Me Podcast: Empathy with Seniors बुजुर्ग से हमदर्दी

Listen to interesting perspective of  Sailesh Mishra - fonder of Silver Innings in this short soulful podcast on World Elders Day ( International Day of Older Persons) 1st October 2022. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7INyUqPk6dzy6tPbxHyz4l?si=vIEc45OuRYW6piShh6nPrA

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7INyUqPk6dzy6tPbxHyz4l?si=vIEc45OuRYW6piShh6nPrA 

Soulful Talk of Sailesh Mishra, Silver Innings by RJ  RICHA ANIRUDH, Credit and copyright : Big Heroes 92.7 Big FM Delhi. This podcast is for educational and non commercial purpose only. 

To subscribe this podcast click here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1dhTVUIZJk88jTOLrXPbqm?si=d79c9fb7503b46e4

#podcast #SeniorCitizens #Eldercare #Elders #WED #World #IDOP #oldage #olderadults #India #seniors #seniorliving #empathy #Family #Relationship #saileshmishra #spotify 

Tata Trusts REPORT ON OLD AGE FACILITIES IN INDIA 2018

Don't miss this Eye Opener: Tata Trusts REPORT ON OLD AGE FACILITIES IN INDIA : INDIA has ONLY around 1,150 facilities FOR around 97,000 elderly: This is what we at #Silverinnings  have been saying all this while of lack of facilities and services for Senior Citizens in India.

The study looked at both old age homes and senior living developments in India, built an extensive sample set of 480+ old age homes and 60+ senior living developments in 84 cities, towns and districts cutting across geographies, size, cost, facilities offered, ownership and management.

It projected the sample set to countrywide population data extracted from 2011 census of India, and arrived at an estimate of around 1,150 facilities and the capacity to house around 97,000 elderly residents.

Forecasting likely demand driven by increasing elderly population and change in preferences owing to availability of new products and socio-economic norms, the study pointed towards a crying need to enhance the capacity almost eight to ten-fold over the next decade.

http://tatatrusts.org/upload/pdf/report-on-old-age-facilities-in-india.pdf

You are 60 plus and your children's are in another country / city, Will you relocate ?

On July 5th 2018 we posted this important question on Facebook and we got various comments, which we thought are not only interesting but also shows change in mindset of traditional Indian / Asian Ageing population.

The Question we asked:  

You are 60 plus and your children's are in another country / city, they can't come and stay with you, But they ask you to come and settle with them, What will you do ?

Following Comments / Answers we got: 
Susan Dmello Barton or just maybe your kids who are abroad can find solutions and caregivers in YOUR OWN HOME IN India... they financially stand by you and visit often so win win for all.

Nidhi Raj Kapoor Good question and great conversation here. You should do a study and compile the findings. I would love to hear more.

Rajeshwar Devarakonda Sailesh Mishra Apt question. In my case, the child - me, relocated. I tried and then understood that the parents too have their social life and to expect them to make yet another sacrifice and become yet another object in your house is inhuman.



Sailesh Mishra I posted above question as this is one of most discussed among seniors. But I never thought, next day I will get this sad news... Like one of the answer when you try to relocate a Senior..... So this is new: USA woman, 92, kills son to avoid being sent into care home : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44707643

Vanita Kumta This is where having a heart to heart conversation and abstaining from imposing ones point of view over another could perhaps have been helpful to avoid a sad incident.

Bernadette Ferrer Sailesh Mishra, the article reported is an isolated incident. The mindset of US white folks are Selfish and Narcissistic. Do not Ever compare with their mindset with ANY ASIAN whose embedded culture revolves around family!
Second, the SON who was shot by his mother Did Not RESPECT his own mother's wishes to Stay Home. The Sons was Enabled by HIS family members & Girlfriend to FORCE his own mother to leave her comfort zone. Alternative solutions for his mothers5care exists...PAY FOR 24 HOUR Nurse or Caregivers!
Son was a Lemming!
I truly Suspect that the SON and Family members had a Hidden Financial Agenda.
Sailesh Mishra, you're seasoned enough to Discern cultural Mindsets!




Asha Uberoy No body wants to go and live in another country at this age. And remember a father can look after 10 kids. But 10 kids find it difficult to look after one father. It is the law of life. The water in the river keeps flowing forward. We must not, cannot blame our children or anyone else.
Bhavdeep Pandya We can always create ability to change.. greatest issue is people only change by force.
Bhavdeep Pandya I will go.. I am nearing 70 years


Vanita Kumta Firstly if one feels one can adjust to a new country at the age one has reached it is a good option,secondly one must have trust and faith in them only then,thirdly as long as one feels able to take care of ones needs independently it is worthwhile staying put,or resorting to assistance or joining an assisted living facility or a senior citizens home that suits ones needs financially. Most importantly one needs to keep on going on as far as possible,with a positive outlook and not succumb to the growing pressures around. It is a difficult situation and a level headed choice is necessary. Remaining as active as possible,without stretching out ones hands in desperation,yet asking and taking help when needed is imperative.

Vanita Kumta From real life instances I have seen ,I know seniors who have no children and lose their partner,I have also seen seniors who have children often living in India in the same city,yet at the crucial hour they are not in a position to reach out to their aged parents due to official engagements. All said and done life is unpredictable. It does not follow any book. One needs to actively accept everything 100% however unpleasant . Having said that it is necessary to have a plan of action worked out between the couple whilst they are both living,taking the children too into confidence. The problem more often than nought is that communication and discussion on certain unpleasant ,however obvious realities of life is often lacking or postponed for later. But unfortunately, ' Time And Tide Waits For No Man'.
Mohan Siroya Very sane advice.


Bina Umesh Raj Sharma I feel if at this age you can adjust and mentally prepated then one should go and stay with the children in India/abroad. The children will also be comfortable since the whole family is a one place unless they have an ulterior motive.


Bernadette Ferrer Your choice: Stubborn Self Independence versus You live by Their Rules of Their Home (Tables are turned..as children, they lived by Your Rules. As an elder parent, its pay back time ...hee heee)

Aileen Marques It will depend on what i feel, how I feel and why I feel... In terms of the choice of settling in a New place. In most cases i have handled senior citizens preferred the comfort of their house and neighbourhood in their silver years. they said they feel the urge to live life more independently.
Susan Dmello Barton I totally agree... the kids are always welcome to "visit" Also in this day and age you can monitor everything what with c.f. tv cameras and full time police cleared maids and home help... they enjoy their independence AND you are always welcome for visits and holidays etc... let's not take away their dignity.

Niraj Khedkar Something outside the question asked... With all due respect to all senior citizens:
Point is not who leaves his set life... Each life is earned with lot of effort... Kids aswell as parents... But Problem is something else...in India parents are so much emotional that they can't let there kids choose their life after 16/18yrs and accept it or not... Hence majority of parents never plan for their post retirement life... 
I am sure this generation already knows their kids are not going to take care of them... So they have already started saving and planning for post retirement life...
#healthyAging #postretirementplanning
#OnestopSolutionServices for all senior citizen needs Can be few solutions for such challenges


Mohit Sadh Just go ther for some time n check, if it's worth, otherwise come back n live here happily ever after


Aditi Misra Interesting responses! 
I think for me it’ll depend on a lot of things... my health / my finances/ my spouse!


Aseem Chandawarkar On Children
- Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, 
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, 
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, 
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, 
and He bends you with His might 
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, 
so He loves also the bow that is stable.


Umesh Gujjar Better to be in India with our Loved ones, even if one earns less (as compared to foreign earnings)


Niraj Khedkar Yes that action speaks a lot... No senior citizen wants to willingly go in a care home...


Doris Gomes I will go n spent sone time, esp because of my small grand kids...


वरिष्ठ नागरिक सेवा संस्थान It is difficult for parents to shift .

Ashok Maheshwari Never. I am Hindustani and at 80 crossed, I want to spend my allotted time in my own country.


Dileep Lad I will stay in My country. I am proud of my country भारत माता की जय

Adv Vidya Patil Very much right


Puneet Sunita Khurana I'd ask them to F... off!


Bhavdeep Pandya I will go n settle with my children


Amita Rs What about in olden days when people relocated from villages to town in search of better life? How did those older adults feel then when their children left them and the big farming lands behind for city jobs? Only some things have changed but rest of the issues remain same.


CA Hemant Damodar Mehta One has to choose with balanced mind .. to be useful to Society here in India or to spend life with son/daughter abroad depending your physical capacity and health.


We thank all for their views and opinion, this will help us to plan our Future.

Visit our website:  http://silverinnings.in/ 

CII - Senior Care Industry Report India 2018

'CII - Senior Care Industry Report India 2018: Igniting potential in senior care services' May 2018. This Report was launched at 4th Edition of Global Exhibition on Services (GES) Specail Task Force meet "Senior Care, “Senior Care - Focused Group Discussion on Understanding Best Practices & India’s Way Forward: Building Partnerships & Collaborations” on 16th May 2018 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India.

This is very interesting one of its kind Report, collaborative by Senior Living Community, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Ignox Consulting.

The senior population in the world is the fastest growing segment with 60 plus population touching 11.5% of world population. As per estimates, by 2050, the 60 plus population will increase at 22% and outnumber the population below 15 years of age. This rapidly changing global demographics has resulted in a sharp rise in the demand for senior care services. This coupled with an increased life expectancy of the population, and an increased tendency globally to have nuclear families, has further accelerated the growth in the senior care sector. As a result of various favorable factors, the market for products and services for seniors is expected to increase from almost $320 billion in 2013 to $436.6 billion by 2018, representing a five year compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent, according to a market research report by BCC Research. The global research agency Persistence estimates that the global elder care services market will reach a market valuation of USD 1767 billion by end of 2025 reflecting a 8.4% CAGR over this period.

In India, 30 years from now, the elderly population in India is expected to triple from 104 million in 2011 to 300 million in 2050, accounting for 18% of the total population in 2050. To understand this in perspective, while the current population of elderly in India (134m in 2020) is fast reaching the current size of population of Mexico (130m) or Russia (143m), the 2050 population of elderly will be close to the population of the United States (326m - 2018) today. We have in India approx. 12 million 80 plus population which is similar to the total population of countries such as Belgium, Greece, or Cuba.

It is time therefore for key senior care stakeholders to collaborate and create a comprehensive mission plan for 2025 involving various stakeholders – public/private/semi-public, healthcare/real estate/
NGOs/ Thinktanks/ and International bodies. The starting premise of such a concerted effort is to bring clarity on the definition of which formats and groups constitute senior care. 9 formats have been discussed and selected as senior care industry formats. Once this is approved, this will form the basis for development control regulations at the state level, and revenue concessions or banking privileges as extended by central government departments.


Read More : 
https://www.slideshare.net/saileshmishra1/cii-senior-care-industry-report-india-2018

REPORT ON OLD AGE FACILITIES IN INDIA by Tata Trusts 2018

The study looked at both old age homes and senior living developments in India, built an extensive sample set of 480+ old age homes and 60+ senior living developments in 84 cities, towns and districts cutting across geographies, size, cost, facilities offered, ownership and management.

It projected the sample set to countrywide population data extracted from 2011 census of India, and arrived at an estimate of around 1,150 facilities and the capacity to house around 97,000 elderly residents.

Forecasting likely demand driven by increasing elderly population and change in preferences owing to availability of new products and socio-economic norms, the study pointed towards a crying need to enhance the capacity almost eight to ten-fold over the next decade.

Read more: http: //tatatrusts.org/upload/pdf/report-on-old-age-facilities-in-india.pdf

#SeniorCitizens #Oldage #Oldagehomes #Elders #Ageing #Seniors #SeniorLiving #Ageing #Aging #India #Gerontology