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ListenThe value of intergenerational relationships
A few years ago, Valpo Reads a Book picked National Geographic best seller The Blue Zones as the featured book. Researcher and author Dan Buettner roamed the world landing in communities that saw an abundance of healthy individuals living into their nineties and hundreds. Buettner’s extensive study revealed how these people managed to live longer and better – not through pills, surgery or medications. Their secrets are found in the everyday things they do: food they eat, company they keep and perspective on life.
In Sardinas, Italy, Buettner noted several commonalities among centenarians. First and foremost, they loved their family members fiercely and in turn, were revered and celebrated as elders of the community. The grandparents and great grandparents provided love, child care, financial help, wisdom, expectations and motivation to younger generations, pushing children to succeed. A sense of purpose and contribution to the greater good was felt by all generations as they cared for one another.
In her recent article, “Celebrating Grandparents and the Value of Generational Love,” Lori Stevic Rust reports that children who have ongoing and consistent contact with grandparents experience less emotional and behavioral problems. Grandparents who participate in a child’s life gain a greater sense of overall happiness. Dr. Rust states, “Intergenerational relationships are a gift to all. Seniors stay active and engaged with life when learning technology or life views from younger folks and youth benefit from the wisdom and traditions of those who have lived in a different historical time. As a generational family, we have been enriched and forever changed by the traditions and life lessons learned around our kitchen table.”
The trend to increase generational communications is on the rise. AARP reports 80 percent of grandparents communicate with their grandchildren at least monthly via telephone, email, Skype or text. Grandchildren state they reach out to grandparents with emotionally charged topics as grandparents are less judgmental and offer more unconditional love than parents often can.
Want to live life to the fullest? Invite a youth to share your table today. We all benefit when we value, respect and celebrate the generations.
Laurie Mullet
10 September 2014
