Young at Heart
Posted on 28 February 2020
Did you know that mixing young and old people can extend lives? Mixing generations is just as important for young people as it is old, as illness and loneliness is formed early in life. Research details how ‘intergenerational interaction improves life changes of children and young people’. Mixing with their elders, it states, helps children and teenagers develop communication, social skills and empathy. There are significant benefits for older people too – one is tackling loneliness.
Older people can bring a sense of the big picture, stories and experiences to younger people and likewise, young people can help older people stay up to date with new technologies and an evolving world around them. Everyone benefits.
By changing the way we think about interaction between generations, we open up a world of opportunities for both young and old and close the gap of segregation based on age.
Make sure you watch the groundbreaking ABC documentary called Old People’s Homes for 4 Year Olds on ABC iview.
The description states: As Australia’s older population increases, so too will the issues that affect their health and happiness. Could the solution to a better life for older Australians be as simple as spending time with 4 year olds?
We are all participants in society with a lot to offer – both young and old.