May 5, 2023
As we age, health becomes a major focus of our daily lives. We begin to think more about eating well, getting enough exercise, and keeping our minds active. But health is more than that – it also includes our relationships with others, specifically intergenerational relationships.
According to an article in Press & News, there are the many benefits of intergenerational relationships between children and older adults.
At The Castlewood Senior Living, we promote intergenerational relationships in many ways! As the Resident Services Director, I always try to keep the importance of intergenerational relationships in mind when I am creating our monthly calendar. I want to give our residents an opportunity to connect with younger generations by offering events and programs that involve kids coming into our community or residents going into theirs. For example, we take monthly outings to a nearby preschool, we occasionally visit the local high school for big events, and we encourage families to join us for holiday events, as well as special occasion meals!
When observing the interactions between children and older adults, it’s easy to see how much older adults really have to offer to children, and vice versa! They share smiles, memories, information, and more. At the preschool our residents visit monthly, the students refer to residents as their grandparents. I think that alone goes to show how impactful their interactions are. The students learn from our residents, they laugh with them, and get loved on by them. Residents gain patience and a sort of child-like wonder from the students. Our residents always leave being so impressed with how polite the kids are and how much they know for their young age. Residents say it is encouraging to know they are the future of our world!
Each of our communities works hard to foster intergenerational relationships and memorable experiences.
Source: Engage at Every Age: The benefits of intergenerational relationships – Senior Community Services
The Castlewood Senior Living in Nixa, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cox Medical Center South and with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Fremont Hills Country Club, Fountain Plaza, Smallin Civil War Cave, 160 Grand Prix Amusement Center, and the 4 X 4 Brewery-Fremont.