In today’s fast-paced world, families often find themselves scattered across cities, states, or even countries, making it increasingly challenging to maintain close connections between generations. Beyond just providing a place to live, senior living communities can play a crucial role in unifying generations & families.
Why is it important to unify generations?
In 2022, Edwards Lifesciences published a whitepaper titled Unifying Generations: Building the Pathway to Intergenerational Solidarity, which shares outcomes of a comprehensive survey into the perceptions and experience of intergenerational solidarity of 12,850 citizens across 6 European countries. The emerging barriers preventing interactions between generations included lack of time and stereotypes about other age groups.
The report goes on to outline six possible approaches to creating more intergenerational connection:
- Create more physical spaces to meet people from older generations
- Provide cultural or historical knowledge from older adults through clubs or societies
- Encourage a better presence of older generations on social media or use of messaging platforms or the internet
- Offer intergenerational housing (or even activities, to start)
- Provide government-funded mentoring or education
- Encourage local businesses or senior living communities to offer advice or mentoring
While many of these suggestions will require some amount of infrastructure, there are plenty of ways to connect intergenerationally now.
One way that senior living communities can bring families together is by providing a shared sense of purpose. When everyone is working towards the same goal of ensuring their loved one receives the best possible care, it can create a sense of unity and purpose that can be hard to come by in other circumstances. Whether it’s through volunteering at the community, attending events or simply checking in with one another in support of an elder, families can find ways to come together during what can be a difficult time.
Another way that senior living communities can help unify families is by offering opportunities for intergenerational connection. This is especially important as families today are often spread across the country or even the world, making it difficult to maintain close relationships across generations. By inviting families to participate in activities with their loved ones, such as game nights, craft classes or sharing meals, senior living communities can help bridge the gap between generations and create a sense of continuity and connection.
And indeed, senior living communities can serve as a source of information and support for families – whether or not the intention is to move. Many communities offer workshops, support groups and educational programs that can help families navigate the challenges of caring for an older adult. These resources can be invaluable in helping families stay informed and connected as they navigate the complex world of senior care. By working together to create a culture of compassion, care and connection, senior living communities can play a vital role in unifying families around the common goal of ensuring that their loved ones receive the best possible care.
“Inland Christian Home keeps the families up to date with information pertaining to the residents and all functions the facility has to offer, which are many. I can’t say enough positive things about them. What is most comforting is when you leave your loved one in their hands, you know that they are very well cared for. Thank you so much for all you do and how you do it.”
Craig D.