Bridging the Gap: The Powerful Role of Intergenerational Conversations
-Irene Chen
Meaningful human connection is one of the most powerful buffers against life’s challenges and uncertainties. Among the most transformative types of connections are intergenerational.
The Stanford Center on Longevity highlights the potential benefits of intergenerational connection for both younger generations and older adults:
For younger generations, intergenerational connection can:
* Enhance emotional resilience: foster self-confidence when dealing with adversity.
* Improve social and communication skills: bolster active listening skills and combat generational stereotypes
* Reduce risk taking behaviors: offer positive role models and promote responsible decision making, reducing the likelihood of risky behaviors
For older generations, intergenerational connection can:
* Improve social wellbeing: reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression
* Foster a sense of purpose: fulfill a generative role by sharing wisdom and providing mentorship to young people
* Offer cognitive stimulation: provide opportunities for learning and exposure to new perspectives and technologies
Testimonials from previous Brain Wellness Program intergenerational program participants speak to these benefits….
Senior Participant…
“I think no matter how active or alone we are, there is an element of loneliness. To be listened to, questioned and be part of a meaningful dialogue is so self-affirming. I live on my own, and feel somewhat 'fed' by being part of this. Part of the 'filling up me and validating me', that I think we all need. This is not a surface ' needing to be needed' thing, this is a deep, acknowledgement.”
Student Participant
“The program allowed me to learn more about the seniors life and reflect about how to go about life and handle different situations and how things can easily change. Not everything will go according to plan and learning about her life really showed me that and that it's okay if it doesn't, there will be other opportunities waiting for you.”
The BC Brain Wellness Program aims to continue to foster these connections in many ways. One such way is with the Intergenerational Conversations project, where students and seniors can bridge an intergenerational gap, forging a relationship built on ongoing curiosity, respect, and intentional communication. The project involves meeting twice/month on zoom with an intergenerational partner to discuss curated topics (materials to stimulate conversations on Meaning in life, education, health care, relationships, technology) capturing similarities and differences while making meaningful connections.
The orientation meeting will be on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 5pm on zoom and then the pairs will meet twice/month at their convenience on zoom during February, March and April with a community celebration meeting on Monday April 28, 2025.
If you are interested in participating, please reply by completing this form by December 16, 2024.
Senior interest form https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEP8Vswk0agLhZA
Student interest form https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1GEJOH7IhVCEFr8