Intergenerational Relationships

Intergenerational relationships are not all about likes and dislikes or about solidarity and discord between the generations. It is also about transfer of material and non-material assets and traditional values from older generation to the next generations. Born in the world is a surest way to exit this world and therefore transfer of all necessary values-abstract or material from generation to generation is a crucial source of legacy and heritage. It is assumed at times that younger members of society regard older people as non-productive and burdensome and older people being not in tune with the changing times, remain indifferent or even critical of younger persons. However, the fact remains that our world encourages a Society for All Ages for the mutual good of all generations.  Indeed “Towards a Society for All Ages" was the theme of the United Nations' (UN) International Year of Older Persons in 1999. 

This blog is not about dislikes and discord. It is about the potential of intergenerational bonding in creating a healthy and happy environment for elderly and young people alike. Tending to or playing with grandchildren as a positive emotional, social and cognitive stimulus is a routine exercise of happiness for the elderly in Indian homes. Many Senior living communities also promote intergenerational bonding in their own ways. Experiments have been conducted such as establishing institutionalised organizations like old age homes in the vicinity of schools so that children can come out in recess to play and cuddle with the elderly residents of old age home and promote mutual bonding and happiness. Organization of Walk and other events involving elderly and new generations including children on special days such as International and National days of older persons also symbolize this relationship. Bonding between parents to children, mentors to mentees and teachers to pupils serve the same purpose.

Among all societies and particularly at places in oriental countries like India, where ageing is considered positive and elderly are honoured and respected, both parties have advantage. Young are taught from the wisdom and experience of elderly while the old learn the technological knowledge and fresh ideas from the young. Volunteering, gardening, playing and laughing together when both parties work on the same passion is a source of mutual joy and allows seniors to stay physically and mentally active longer with lesser disability. Listening to older member of the family in decision making on financial, social, religious and other matters gives a sense of meaning and purpose to seniors while younger members learn the art of successful negotiation and knowledge of the past. Exposure of new generation to declining functions of ageing persons and consequent need of helping them raise the level of empathy among the young-a contributory factor for a compassionate society.

From the health point of view, intergenerational activities positively influence the elderly well-being, depression, self-reported health, and self-esteem. Many people have opined that association of elderly with children promotes intellectual ability, physical well-being and a purposeful life for elderly and mitigates their social isolation and loneliness. A study to assess the effect of interaction with children on the elderly well-being in an Indian setting was carried out by Dsouza, Chakraborty and Kamath and was published in 2023 in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health under the title of Intergenerational communication and elderly well-being. It revealed that the interaction with the children effectively promotes the elderly well-being and highlighted the need for activities that help raise the well-being and quality of life among the institutionalized elderly.