The changing days of our lives
“Effective intergenerational programs provide time as well as space to build relationships between children and older adults.”
According to research by Penn State Associate Professor Matt Kaplan, PhD, and others, the activity level of the grandparent generation has gone up, due in part to improved health, increased fitness over the life span, and a worldwide emphasis on supporting lifelong learning. Grandparenting itself has changed significantly. Shared interests now may include mountain biking, martial arts, photography, or skiing. Today, there are grandparent university programs that offer courses and workshops for grandparents and their grandchildren, and several entrepreneurs specialize in “grandtravel,” planning vacations for the two generations who want to explore new horizons together.
There are some losses associated with this cultural shift. The days of Sunday dinners at grandmother’s house may be gone altogether or occur primarily during holidays and specially planned reunions. Children go to school year-round in many places, with summer vacations limited or lost. Extended families may correspond primarily by e-mail, cell phone, and webcasting. The net effect is less time for connecting generations and building relationship-based, real-time personal encounters within the community.
The intergenerational programs at Touchmark communities emphasize enhancing opportunities for connectivity among the generations. Whether the family is near or far, there are occasions to connect with children and young adults. Programs and events are planned and held to support ongoing relationships between residents and guests of all ages. There are scheduled program offerings that provide intergenerational activities both within Touchmark communities and beyond.
© 2007 Touchmark