A growing population of Americans are above the age of 65. According to experts, the number of Americans over 100 in the next decade will increase four times. Hence, old age care is a burgeoning issue. One of the biggest issues faced by these elderly citizens is loneliness.
Many old-age homes in America tend to the needs of these elderly citizens, but providing emotional support is a cumbersome task. According to professionals of home care in Vacaville at Always Best Care, “an ideal way to address the emotional needs of these elderly citizens is through frequent interaction with children.” Children are not only an instant source of happiness but also bring about a wave of energy in elders that helps them to live longer.
How Intergenerational Relations Strengthen Physical Health
Researchers have shown that older people feel mentally and physically fit when they spend time with young kids. Similarly, it could be a great learning experience for children because they will learn crucial lessons about life.
This idea is called intergenerational care, which is gaining immense popularity worldwide and is a wonderful way for kids and adults to bond together. Many activities keep children and elderly citizens engaged.
Here are 8 popular activities that can make interaction between these two generations exciting.
1- Storytelling and Reading
Kids are always hungry for attention, and older people are eager to share their stories with someone. Hence, a good activity through which children and older people can bond is storytelling. One can either recall nostalgic incidents from the past and give them the shape of a thrilling story or read aloud short stories. Kids can narrate stories to elders and bring a smile to their faces.
2- Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are a source of immense joy for people of any age bracket. It pulls one out of all the mental stress. Painting, drawing, and sculpting are all great ways to engage and create together.
3- Board Games
Playing board games can be a great mental stimulant for both generations. Fun board games that children and adults like include chess, scrabble, ludo, and even jigsaw puzzles. These board games lead to great conversations and enable older people to open up, fostering a deeper emotional connection.
4- Photo Walks
Older people confine themselves in spaces and do not perform any physical activity. Photo walks with children could be a productive way to boost their physical health and will bring out the creative side of children. One can create a scrapbook from all these photos and have a memory that is cherished forever.
5- Baking and Cooking
Children love activities in the kitchen. From baking cookies to decorating cakes, the whole process can be therapeutic. Senior citizens can share their traditional recipes with children and reminisce about good times. At the same time, they will be transferring an invaluable skill to children.
6- Musical Sessions
Experts believe that music could be an efficient way to harness the brain’s agility and resilience. Learning an instrument together could be a cherished experience and stimulate the brain power of children and adults. Nothing feels more fulfilling than playing your favorite tune and watching a young angel in front of you follow the same beat with a wide grin! It is not just therapy for the body but for the soul as well.
7- Gardening
Being around greenery and nature gives you a sense of calm. Such activities help children and elderly people build a strong bond and be close to Mother Nature. Not everyone might have a green thumb, but the joy one experiences when his/her sapling grows and starts blooming is unprecedented. Elderly citizens get a burst of happy hormones, and the kids learn important life lessons about nature, growth, patience, and persistence.
8- Cleaning and Decluttering
We all know that children love to create messes, and for the elderly, their favorite pastime is to collect antique stuff. An activity that could benefit both could be decluttering. Such cleaning sessions could be very fulfilling and fun.
Old age people have stories associated with every object they possess, so while cleaning, kids can hear nostalgic tales, and the elderly people could use their time doing something productive while also reliving their glory days.
Conclusion
The formation of deep emotional bonds is crucial for any generation. One of the purest bonds is with children because they are innocent and have clean intentions. Hence, their love can make the elderly feel fulfilled. According to professionals of home care in Vacaville at Always Best Care, “an ideal way to address the emotional needs of these elderly citizens is through frequent interaction with children.” Old homes are now using this technique of intergenerational bonding and care, as one can see the positive outcomes and monumental impact it has on the mental health of elderly citizens
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