Lately, we often hear about adolescents experiencing high rates of depression.
We also hear about the prevalence of loneliness among older adults.
Bringing these two groups together will help us all.
In Squamish, we’re fortunate to have programs specifically designed to address the well-being of adolescents, such as the Youth Outreach and Youth Hub Drop-in programs of the Squamish Youth Services. Similarly, the Brennan Park Recreation Centre, The 55 Activity Centre, and Westwinds Seniors Hub offer activities for elderly community members.
But what do we know about the benefits to be gained from direct social interactions between adolescents and seniors? They benefit both age groups and the community overall.
Cross-generational interactions can greatly improve the lives and psychological well-being of the younger generation. For instance, adolescents who spend time with older people often feel they have grown personally. Improvement in empathy and compassion also fosters a sense of civic responsibility. This is probably because, as Robyn Fivush a psychology professor at Emory University put it, “When we listen, truly listen, to someone else’s story, we understand who they are in a new and different way, we hear their perspective, their interpretation, their understanding of the world and of themselves.”
A different perspective can help something that feels overwhelming feel more manageable. Youth can learn many important life lessons from their elders, who have learned them through experience.
The reduction of ageism—prejudice or discrimination against people on the basis of their age—is another benefit to all involved.
“Participating in intergenerational interactions challenges stereotypes about aging, fostering a more inclusive and age-friendly society,” wrote psychology professor Peter Coleman at the University of Southampton.
Programs to mix these age groups can increase the social interaction of seniors and foster their sense of connectedness, thereby reducing loneliness.
Loneliness in seniors has been shown to be correlated with increased rates of dementia, stroke, coronary heart disease, cancer mortality, and an overall reduction in lifespan. When seniors are homebound or semi-homebound (only able to leave the house with great difficulty or with others’ assistance), they are more likely to be physically and mentally unhealthy.
Many report feeling very isolated or alone, especially those who live in rural areas.
But loneliness is not a problem that is impossible to solve.
Looking ahead in Squamish, let’s work to come up with community programs that connect adolescent people and elderly folks. Perhaps just merging some of the programs already in place could help. In the meantime, as individuals we can increase our personal effort to reach out to people in town who are different ages than ourselves. Even a brief friendly conversation while standing in line at the grocery store is a step toward making connections with people—connections that can help each of us individually and help to tighten the social mesh of the community.
Auni L. Dayton is a Squamish eighth grader. She enjoys reading, climbing, horseback riding, school, the Squamish library and sunshine.
