Joy Henshaw, regional director at Wellbeing Care, discusses the multitude of benefits that intergenerational mixing within care settings can bring to older and younger people alike
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the numerous benefits that intergenerational mixing brings to individuals of all ages. Care homes, in particular, have embraced the concept, bringing together residents and younger generations in mutually beneficial ways. After implementing a successful intergenerational programme within a care home in my remit, I would like to offer my advice to others – exploring the benefits of intergenerational mixing in care home environments, providing recommendations of intergenerational activities, highlighting some common misconceptions, and recognising important considerations to ensure successful implementation.
Misconceptions about intergenerational mixing
One of the biggest misconceptions about intergenerational mixing is that it only happens between the elderly population and very young children – when in fact, it extends beyond this and encompasses all generations in-between. It is crucial not to overlook the unique contributions that each generation can bring to the table. While the connection between older adults and young children is often emphasised, it is equally important to recognise the value of intergenerational interactions with teenagers and young adults, too. By ensuring each generation is represented, residents can witness the enthusiasm and wonder of children, the inquisitive nature and fresh outlook on life from teenagers, and the energy, ambition, and innovative ideas of young adults
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