In times past, multigenerational families lived under one roof. But with the average Canadian household hovering at just over 2 people,[1] this is obviously no longer the case.
Perhaps as a result, loneliness and isolation are major issues for older adults.[2] Whether they live alone or not, many simply wind up with reduced opportunities for socializing and developing relationships. And fewer opportunities to interact with other people actually leads to more complicated issues, such as diminished mental and physical health.
But intergenerational relationships aren’t just about feeling sorry for older adults and wanting to take care of them. Canadians today live longer and are healthier, more educated and more able than ever before. The key is in creating meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships where everyone can contribute and benefit.
Benefits to Kids
Children can never have too much attention. In fact, children do better when they have several dedicated, caring adults in their lives, not just one individual parent. When they receive all the adult guidance and support they need, the research indicates there is a:[3]
- 46% difference in drug use
- 50% difference in school truancy
- 33% difference in violent behaviour
These involved adults can be anyone: grandparents or other relatives, a teacher or mentor, or even a friend’s parent or other important person. It can be someone the young person meets organically, through a common interest, such as a community club or a religious institution. It can be someone the young person meets through a matching program, such as a Big Brothers Big Sisters organization or even a cohabitation program matching students with older adults.[4]
Benefits to Adults
A recent study on parental burnout reported that parents in the U.S. and Canada reported some of the highest rates of burnout around the world.[5] That’s likely due to the modern, fast-paced lifestyle where each family is expected to care for itself on its own. Yet it’s impossible for two parents to hold down jobs, care for their homes, care for their children and also care for themselves adequately.
When busy parents know their children have other adults to rely on, they also benefit. The proverbial “village” supports not only the children but also the other adults by:
- Taking off the pressure, since children have others to teach and guide them;
- Providing tangible help and emotional support, which means the parents are assisted as well; and
- Offering points of connection between generations, as the parents and the supporting adults can come closer together by speaking about the kids
Benefits to Older Adults
For older adults, intergenerational relationships can be invaluable. Some of the benefits include:
- An increase in social interactions, leading to a better mood overall and a decrease in depression
- An increase in physical activity, leading to a stronger body and fewer falls
- An opportunity to learn new skills, particularly when it comes to technology
- An improved memory, as social interactions and learning lead to stronger brain connections and a sharper mind
- A renewed purpose, especially if the relationship allows for the teaching of life lessons or sharing family stories
Relationships don’t have to be confined to others of your age and stage. For a fuller, more meaningful life, seek out relationships with a wide variety of people. Learning and growth can come from all areas of life – if you are open to it.
[1] Statistics Canada, “2021 Census of Population,” accessed October 11, 2022.
[2] Government of Canada, “Social isolation of seniors – Vol. 1: Understanding the issue and finding solutions,” accessed October 11, 2022.
[3] The Greater Good, “What Happens When Old and Young Connect,” April 22, 2019.
[4] Chartwell, “Students help keep seniors young at heart,” accessed October 13, 2022.
[5] Info About Kids, “Signs of Caregiver Burnout, What to Do About it, and How to Overcome it,” April 2, 2022.