Empowering Our Community Through Intergenerational Interaction

by Elaine Book

 Everybody has a story: An Intergenerational Storytelling Project 

The power of connecting with people from different generations is often under-recognized in the world we live in today. Current research supports many positive benefits of intergenerational contact on brain wellness, creativity, and mental/physical health. By bringing inspiration and creating a deeper understanding between members of the community, intergenerational relationships can serve to bridge perceived age gaps and empower our community to grow as a whole. Having a fun conversation about your own life story with your grandchildren, nieces/nephews, students, and/or other young individuals can be an effective way to improve your brain wellness! 

Here is a list of 10 positive impacts of intergenerational interaction on older adults: 

  1. Activation of the reward center in your brain - it's rewarding! 

  2. Decrease in overall stress 

  3. Cognitive stimulation and improved brain function 

  4. Improvement in emotional expression and mental health  

  5. Guide to self-acceptance  

  6. Creating a sense of purpose and bringing meaning into life 

  7. Improvement in self-esteem 

  8. Improved attitudes towards youth 

  9. Decrease in the negative consequences associated with social isolation 

  10. Opportunity to give back to younger generations 

To encourage intergenerational relationships, the BC Brain Wellness Program is once again offering the opportunity for senior participants to share unique life experiences with university  students. This project is entirely on zoom with  participants  being paired with a UBC student, working together to  complete an “abridged” life storybook for the participant!  

Important dates: 

Orientation session : Tuesday October 18/22   4:00-5:00pm 

Student/Senior Matching session: Tuesday October 25/22  4:00-5:00pm 

Month of November - weekly meetings with the student to work on the project 

Community Celebration : Tuesday December 13/22 4:00-5:30pm  

To encourage connection and sense of community, the number of participants will be limited to 10 participants. Applications will open up this August 29/22 during the BC Brain Wellness Fall Registration, with the application due September 16/22 and selection interviews with potential senior participants will be in mid to late September. 

Join the intergenerational project to inspire, reflect, and story-tell

Previous
Previous

Heading Into Fall and Winter - What Can You Do to Combat Lower Levels of Sunshine?

Next
Next

The Participant Advisory Committee: Introduction and call out for new applications!