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:
Activation of the reward center in your brain - it's rewarding!
Decrease in overall stress
Cognitive stimulation and improved brain function
Improvement in emotional expression and mental health
Guide to self-acceptance
Creating a sense of purpose and bringing meaning into life
Improvement in self-esteem
Improved attitudes towards youth
Decrease in the negative consequences associated with social isolation
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!