Empowering Our Community Through Intergenerational Interaction - Everybody Has a Story: A Pilot Project with the BC Brain Wellness Program
by Elaine Book
The power of connecting with people from different generations is often under-recognized in the world we live in today. Current research supports the 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!
To encourage intergenerational relationships, the BC Brain Wellness Program is offering a pilot program beginning January 24, 2022 for older adult participants to share their unique life experiences with university students. This project will be entirely on zoom, with the older adults being paired with a UBC student, working together to complete an “abridged” life storybook. Together, the older adult and the student volunteer will decide which life events to include, ranging from early childhood experiences and young adulthood to career opportunities, important relationships, interests and hobbies, and more.
Important dates:
Orientation session: Monday January 24, 2022 4:00-5:00 pm
Student/older adult matching session: Monday January 31, 2022 4:00-5:00 pm
Weekly meetings with the student to work on the project: Month of February, 2022
Community Celebration: Monday March 21, 2022 4:00-5:00 pm
As this is a pilot project, the number of participants will be limited to 10 older adults and 10 students. Applications will be taken in December 2021, during the BC Brain Wellness Winter Registration period. Selection interviews with potential older adult participants will be conducted in early January 2022.
Here is a list of 10 positive impacts of intergenerational interaction for older adults:
Activation of the reward centre 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 connect with younger generations.