At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we were pleased to hear the theme for 2024 National Assisted Living Week was “Inspiring Generations,” a topic that is dear to our hearts. Since the retirement community opened in 2018, the leadership and team members have been inspired by the elder generation we support and the families we connect with along the journey. And we make it part of our mission to connect younger generations with older seniors to foster positive memories, boost our resident’s well-being, and help bridge the gap between older and younger generations. As we all know, our elders have a wealth of experiences and knowledge we could benefit from if we took the time to listen and learn.
Why Intergenerational Connections Are So Important
Intergenerational interaction between seniors and youth is important for several reasons, benefiting both groups and society. These interactions enrich both the seniors and the younger generations in so many ways.
- Cultural and Knowledge Exchange: Seniors have valuable life experiences and wisdom that can be shared with younger generations. In turn, younger people offer fresh perspectives, ideas, and insights into modern culture and technology.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: For seniors, engaging with younger people can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common in older age. These interactions often provide a sense of purpose and belonging, boosting emotional health.
- Bridging the Generation Gap: Intergenerational interactions foster mutual understanding and break down stereotypes. This helps younger people develop empathy and appreciation for older generations, while seniors can learn to appreciate the values and attitudes of youth.
- Transfer of Skills: Younger generations can help seniors become more adept with technology, while seniors can pass down practical knowledge, life lessons, and even traditional skills that might otherwise be lost.
- Strengthening Communities: Interaction between different age groups fosters social cohesion. Communities benefit from the diversity of experiences, and intergenerational relationships help create a more inclusive society where each person feels valued.
- Lifelong Learning: Both groups benefit from the opportunity to learn from each other. Seniors often remain mentally sharper when they engage in stimulating conversations and activities with younger people, and young individuals gain insight into different stages of life.
Jackson Creek Senior Living Activities Support Intergenerational Connections
While we host family friendly activities throughout the year, and we have many community amenities and common areas that support time for intergenerational connections, during National Assisted Living Week this year (celebrated Sept. 8-14), several of our activities and events for the week centered on this mission.
- On Sept. 8, we kicked off the week with a Grandparents’ Day celebration, including a visit from a youth group from Renovation Church of Monument. Many thanks to these engaged and caring youth for stopping by.
- On Sept. 9, team members modeled various PJ fashions from over the decades to gin up laughs with the residents.
- On Sept. 10, team members dressed up as favorite TV characters, bringing smiles and conversation throughout the community.
- On the following day, team members again dressed up as “nerds,” and engaged in an activity with residents to share stories and create a mural as part of “Wisdom Wednesday.”
- On Sept. 12, team members and residents dressed up in a “Back to the Future” theme as part of “Time Capsule Thursday.” Residents were encouraged to create time capsules for family members.
- The next day, the community hosted a music party for residents, with a 1950s theme, milkshakes, fries, and “dirty” Shirley Temple drinks.
- And to cap the week off on Sept. 13, team members and residents were encouraged to dress as a Disney character. Families were invited for lunch to share in the fun with their loved ones.
If you would like to learn more about Jackson Creek Senior Living, which offers assisted living, memory support, and independent living on a modern and family friendly campus in Monument, please give us a call at (719) 259-1331 or visit us online. We’d be happy to show you around so you can see firsthand the vibrant, caring community we foster.
