May 5, 2023
As we age, health becomes a major focus of our daily lives. We begin to think more about eating well, getting enough exercise, and keeping our minds active. But health is more than that – it also includes our relationships with others, specifically intergenerational relationships.
According to an article in Press & News, there are the many benefits of intergenerational relationships between children and older adults.
At The Fremont Senior Living, we promote intergenerational relationships in many ways! As the Resident Services Director, I like to invite children to all kinds of events. We have Story Corner on the first Saturday of the month. We read a book to them and serve cookies the residents baked. Some of the kids are family members of our residents and some are the staff’s children. We also have a partnership with a local school and go to school events as a group. We donate books to the school and sometimes read to the kids in their library.
When observing the interactions between children and older adults, it’s easy to see how much older adults really have to offer to children, and vice versa! They share smiles, memories, information, and more. Intergenerational learning is very important for the children and the residents. We learn so many things from children and the residents love their stories. The children who don’t have grandparents get to enjoy a generational bond, learning things from the residents they wouldn’t otherwise know. Hearing the residents’ stories of years gone by reminds us of how far we have come. The residents also look forward to hearing from the kids and what is going on in their lives. Sometimes it’s just a hug or a smile that makes the world seem a little better for just a little while.
Each of our communities works hard to foster intergenerational relationships and memorable experiences.
Source: Engage at Every Age: The benefits of intergenerational relationships – Senior Community Services
The Fremont Senior Living in Springfield, MO offers senior villas, independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Cox Medical Center South with convenient access to major shopping centers, including Bill and Stewart Golf Course, Horton Smith, River Cut Golf Course, Battlefield Mall, Fantastic Caverns, Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, Wonders of Wildlife National Mueum and Aquarum, and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.