Resident activity & engagement


each other, telling jokes, scrapbooking, and introducing technology into the life of older adults are among other activities that can be utilised to help develop and harness intergenerational relationships. Indeed, the past two years have


prohibited many families to be in close proximity with their loved ones. Still, it is essential for seniors to connect with the younger generation. At Foxholes care home in Hitchin,


Hertfordshire, many residents were recently given the opportunity to experience the power of intergenerational relationships with a selection of students from Hitchin Girls’ School. In a bid to strengthen community connection and form long-lasting intergenerational friendships, we recently relaunched our pen pal project. After the scheme, which initially


launched in February 2020, had to be paused due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are now in a position to resume our mission in helping foster friendships the old-fashioned way by sharing letters between residents and students. The project will enable 22 residents


and students to pair up and exchange handwritten letters seasonally throughout the year. A recent batch of letters contained information documenting key elements of their lives, such as name, age, family information (e.g. marital status, number of children/ grandchildren), which served as a mini-biography to aid the introductory process.


Mutual benefits It is encouraging to see back-and-forth reciprocity between both generations. Not only are intergenerational relationships good for residents, but they also help to fill a void for children who do


not have grandparents. Indeed, many older adults can serve


as a tremendous resource to our younger generation as they retell their experiences and historical events, which all contribute to a lifetime of accumulated wisdom. The physical limitations that come


with getting older can help cement the relationship between residents and their younger counterparts, and the physiological changes that accompany old age can be useful fundamentals for valuable intergenerational connections. Residents can help provide the


younger generation with invaluable insight on how to develop character and build social skills, which will facilitate emotional support through empathy in later years. It is no secret that grandparents are often referred to as the monarchy of their family because they have years of experience and can share their knowledge, perspectives and key civic values with those younger than them. Children, in turn, can also act as


a source of joy for their elders, too, while providing assistance with many simple tasks. Studies have shown that intergenerational bonding activities can benefit and enhance the lives of those living with dementia and can improve performance in a memory test, while simultaneously enhancing their quality of life and mental health.


Mentoring While most studies focus on the benefits of youth in a mentoring relationship, it cannot be denied that those residing in care homes can benefit exponentially as well. In fact, a study found that seniors who volunteer with children burn 20 per cent more calories weekly, experience fewer falls, are less reliant on support when walking, and even perform better


on memory tests than peers who did not volunteer with children.2 Another study paired 101 seniors,


all living in care homes, with health profession students and found that they showed a significant decrease in concern and anxiety over ageism. Other ways student mentors can benefit seniors include: l The opportunity to learn new skills, especially communication and technology skills.


l An improved sense of purpose and meaning.


l A better outlook on ageing. l A reduction in feelings of isolation and loneliness.


l The opportunity to pass along life lessons and family stories.


Moreover, care home residents who experience close intergenerational interaction tend to be happier with their present life and more hopeful for the future, reducing feelings of sadness and increasing their self-worth and self- esteem.


Changing course If these connections are so profoundly important for all involved, why are there not more programmes seeking to actively engage the elderly with younger people? Naturally, the answer lies in a wide array of societal changes - some progressive, others less so - that have taken place over the past century. In that period, we have gone from one


December 2021 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 41


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