Tips to Connect With Any Generation
Many people realize they want to have more quality time with the people they love as they map out how they want to spend their retirement. They’re also forming more relationships with younger generations, and it’s important to bridge the gap between your differences and communicate together. Explore these tips to better connect with any generation.
The Benefits of Connecting With Other Generations
There are many benefits for both parties in an intergenerational friendship, whether you spend time together in person or virtually:
- Fight social isolation
- Learn new skills
- Improved behavioral and emotional experiences
- Stimulate the mind
- Find a sense of purpose
- Keep stories and history alive
- Companionship and a support system
Sign Up
It’s easier to connect to people with various backgrounds and ages when you go out and sign up for events. This could be volunteering for organizations and schools, taking a class, joining a club, or attending community events. The grandkids might also appreciate having their grandparents get involved in their school and learning more about their education!
Connect With Technology
Keeping up with technology is a great way to stay connected to people and the world outside of your own. There are all kinds of apps on your phone to keep you safe and independent, as well as help you communicate with others three minutes or 3,000 miles away. Take classes or read up on new technology to keep you abreast of what younger generations are using, or use this as an opportunity to learn one-on-one from the youth and bond over the experience.
Talk About the Past
People are like living history, and it can be such a rewarding experience to share your past with the younger generation. Over the years, it becomes a rare opportunity to hear stories from someone who may have gone through a unique point in time. Imagine what you would ask your grandparents about their upbringing and what the world was like in their youth today! Don’t forget to ask the younger generations about their past, too. It’s an incredible moment to bond over differences and similarities and build empathy over another’s experiences.
Have an Open Mind
Everyone is different because of our unique backgrounds, beliefs, and choices, which is a great reason to learn from each other and be respectful when conversing. Have an open mind, be curious about others’ perspectives and opinions, and keep your conversations welcoming and collaborative. In doing so, you will find commonalities that bring you both together and differences that bring you awareness of other viewpoints.
Engage in Activity
If bonding over an activity is easier than just talking, there are many inspiring things you can do with the younger generation. This is an opportunity for you to teach them your favorite hobby, let them show you their favorite activity, or find something new you both have always wanted to try together. Consider activities like planting a garden, making music, painting, having a book club, learning a new skill, being pen pals, or even decluttering and crafting around the house.
Open Your Arms
At the end of the day, you need to be able to open up your mind, heart, and home to younger generations to connect with them. Create a welcoming environment wherever you are, whether that’s online, over letters, on the phone, at an event, or in your own home.
Want to learn more tips and tricks about aging well? Check out our free ebook, Living and Aging the Way You Want!
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life. stage of life.