Intergenerational Activities for the Elderly & Children
Children and the elderly have much to offer each other. The U.S. government reports that interaction with older adults improves a child's communication skills, self-esteem and problem-solving abilities. For the elderly, interaction with children enhances socialization, increases emotional support and improves health.
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Indoor Activities
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Playing cards sharpens memory skills in children and the eldery alike. Intergenerational activities that can be enjoyed inside the home are often the most practical. These include limited-scale arts and crafts, hobbies and games with benefits beyond modest entertainment. Collaborative art projects like making scrap books or collages promote social interaction. Reading, role-playing and storytelling stimulate creative thinking. Sewing, quilting, and cooking provide valuable teaching and learning opportunities. Cards, puzzles, and board games help sharpen memory skills, while table sports like ping pong and pool provide light exercise.
Outdoor Activities
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Gardening can be enjoyed by all ages. The chance to get outside for even a short time period can be welcome relief from the ordinary for both young and old. Low impact sports such as croquet, lawn bowling and badminton can be enjoyed in limited outdoor space. Non-athletic pursuits like gardening and bug collecting also don't require much space.
Kite flying and bird watching are great intergenerational pastimes, while the building of a kite or bird house can help complete the bonding experience. If venturing outside of the immediate surroundings is possible, all ages may enjoy a visit to a local park or playground to ride the swings or shoot a basketball.
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Travel
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Many hikes are suitable for active mature adults and children. The more adventurous may want to get outside of the neighborhood. Many national parks have nature walks that are designed to be accessible to children and the elderly. For the athletically inclined there are all-ages martial arts and dance classes. Other sports include golf, tennis, bowling and perhaps the most time-honored intergenerational activity of all, fishing.
Spectator activities children and the elderly can enjoy together include local arts or sporting events or a visit to an aquarium, zoo or museum. For a special connection, children and the elderly can attend religious activities or volunteer together.
Considerations
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Before choosing an intergenerational activity, find an area of common interest for all of those involved. This can be achieved despite age difference, as many of the same shared experiences inform and inspire humans be they age 8 or 80. The best intergenerational activity offers active, engaged companionship to each participant in equal measure.
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References
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