benefits of intergenerational play – Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine

benefits of intergenerational play, UP holistic wellness, senior viewpoint, UP holistic wellness publication

Did you know the young can help keep you young?

According to Jennifer Crittendon, Assistant Director of the University of Maine Center on Aging, research has shown that spending time with kids benefits your cognitive, emotional, and physical health. It also can give you a sense of purpose, which can help minimize depression. (1) Another study showed older people who volunteered with youth had greater life satisfaction than peers who did not. In fact, a study has even shown that babysitting grandparents have a 37% lower mortality risk than adults of the same age who have no “caring responsibilities.” (2)

Research has also shown that spending time with children and adolescents improves seniors’ communication, self-esteem, decision-making skills, and memory; results in feeling they’re assisting the next generation and making a difference for our future society; and causes them to feel appreciated and valued.(3)

And with good reason! As civicsplus.com describes, children mentored by seniors benefit through improved academic achievement, feeling loved and enjoying dedicated attention, emotional bonding, gaining confidence through non-judgmental companionship, and being exposed to the knowledge and demeanor of older adults. (4)

A University of Oxford study by Professor Ann Buchanan of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention showed “a high level of grandparental involvement increased the well-being of children.” Their study of more than 1,500 children showed that those with a high level of grandparental involvement had fewer emotional and behavioral problems. The influence of positive role models is crucial as children tend to model the behaviors they see.(5)

But perhaps most importantly for seniors, children are masters of play!

And play relieves stress; boosts creativity and mental function; fosters empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others; and increases your energy, vitality, and even resistance to disease.(6)

If you are fortunate enough to have grandchildren in your life, whether your own or others’, below are some tips to keep things fun and play-full. And if you don’t have young ones around, seek out opportunities at your local school, library, or community center!

Don’t be afraid to be silly.
Let mess fall where it may, so fun can take precedence! Clean-up can always be taken care of afterward.]
Be flexible. If they want downtime, go with it. If the museum you passionately wanted to share with them has them yawning, move on to something else.
Laugh together.
If you’re related, tell them stories of their mom or dad.
Find ways to be together even if you’re apart—phone, Zoom, online games, letter writing….
Don’t just give things, do things. Shared experiences will benefit both of you more than giving and receiving gifts.(7)

Not sure how to best spend your time together? Here are some ideas to get you started!