Exploring Intergenerational Programs and Their Impacts on Memory Care

Seniors in memory care spend a lot of time with other seniors. However, there are a wealth of benefits to spending time in intergenerational programs, too. 

Intergenerational programs aim to connect seniors with young people. These interactions can be enriching, informative, and mood-boosting for all involved. 

Find out how intergenerational activities can benefit residents in memory care. 

Connecting Seniors with Their Communities

Community involvement is one of the most valuable benefits seniors can get in memory care. 

If a senior has made it to memory care, chances are they need extra help with several tasks during daily life. Unfortunately, this can make them feel isolated. Community outreach changes all of that. 

When seniors are able to make positive differences in their communities, especially among all other age groups, it can do wonders for their mental health. 

Intergenerational Interaction: Connecting Youth and Older Adults

Unless they have grandchildren, most seniors don’t get many opportunities to interact with children. It’s a shame, as children can be valuable teachers — as can seniors. 

Seniors who spend time around children can get a sense of how the newer generations are growing up. Older adults often have valuable wisdom to pass along to young people, which benefits society as a whole. 

Tolerance and Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are major topics in today’s world and for good reason. Many members of the older generations have not been exposed to as much diversity as today’s youth are. 

Intergenerational programs encourage tolerance and acceptance of all people. This includes people of different gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities. 

Seniors in memory care can make new connections in these programs that they may never have had otherwise. What better way to keep their minds sharp and active?

Tolerance and dismantlement of bias and prejudice are important in making the world run smoothly. Connections within intergenerational programs offer firsthand experiences to seniors and youth alike that increase tolerance and decrease prejudice in communities. 

Building Morals and Values in Youth

Children are still forming their worldviews and soaking up the cultural values around them. Having older adults around to guide them and offer new perspectives can change everything for the better. 

Interactions between seniors and young people can help build strong foundations of moral character. Some improvements in children that are associated with increased interactions with seniors include patience, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

If we want the next generations to grow up and become good, helpful people, we have to instill these values in them ourselves. That’s where memory care residents come in. Their unique experiences and values can provide new insight for young people. 

Boost Quality of Life for Memory Care Residents Through Intergenerational Programs

These programs are incredibly beneficial for both youth and seniors alike. Consider adding intergenerational programs to your community to improve the world one person at a time.