Young And Old – A Healthy Mix

Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,168 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

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In the past, families enjoyed the benefits stemming from multiple generations residing in the same area. Relatives such as aunts, uncles and cousins often lived just down the block and there was an abundance of nearby family support. As grandparents got up in age, they would move in with their adult children often serving the role of babysitter and mentor to the new generation of kids. There was a natural flow to this set up. Everyone had a role and the generations worked well together. The youngsters brought new attitudes and ideas into the home and the elders shared their knowledge and experience.

Today is a different scenario. Due to the onset of affordable air travel and changes in employment opportunities, generations are now spread out across the country. Families rely on phone calls, video chat programs and social media to stay in touch. Instead of a yearly vacation being booked to explore a new location, it is often used to visit family members and reconnect.

The prevalence of this separation has had a major impact in the development of housing options for the aging population. You can see this with the Baby Boomer generation. They are looking for a desirable way to approach this next life stage and where and how they live is a big factor. Relying on adult children and other family members is not necessarily their first choice, especially if they have to relocate to do so.

Age-restricted communities are an attractive option for this group. They are looking to participate in an active lifestyle and like the concept of living exclusively alongside their peers. These type of communities have minimum age requirements (usually anywhere from age 50-62) and certain regulations regarding younger guests and visitors. Many of the residents share similar interests and there are numerous amenities to be enjoyed.

While this type of housing is growing in popularity, it isn’t the optimal choice for everyone. Older adults living exclusively with other older adults is similar to students residing together on a college campus. You lose the diversity that comes from having other ages present as well as the collective output from a varied group of people. It is because of this phenomena that it is important for those living in adult communities to make the effort to be around other generations. It is crucial to keep current and stay relevant. Some of the more progressive age-restricted communities recognize this factor and offer inter-generational activities working with surrounding neighborhoods.

Since changes in our society have forced generations of family to live apart, it is important for all of us to find ways to get involved with the younger generation. If you aren’t able to physically be with your grandchildren and long for that meaningful bond, you do have some real opportunities. By utilizing the advances in social media and video chat technology, staying connected is easier than ever. You may also want to bring back some of the “old school” techniques, such as letter writing. The thrill of going to the mailbox and getting a letter or package is still an exciting activity for a child. Sometimes the simple things are the most effective. If you do not have grandchildren or can’t be a part of your grandchildren’s lives, you can look for “surrogate” grandchildren to fill the void. There are so many kids missing out on having an older person in their life and would greatly benefit from such a relationship. Volunteer agencies are always searching for people to help with inter-generational programs.

The notion that “being around young people keeps you young” has some real validity to it. Younger generations bring a fresh outlook to the table. They see things in a different light and widen our world. When we stop learning and growing, we stay stagnant and age. Be sure to keep yourself open and available when you are in the presence of children. Pay attention and take in what they have to offer while sharing your wisdom and experience. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.