There’s something magical about a grandmother and grandchild laughing over a shared storybook or a grandfather teaching his grandkids to fish. But these heartwarming moments of intergenerational bonding aren’t always easy to come by. Maybe your family lives in another state, or you don’t know which activities you, your adult kids, and your young grandkids will all enjoy. Or perhaps you’re eager to meet new people and broaden your circle, or you want to join a local intergenerational program.
Eight out of ten adults report a desire to spend more time with individuals from different age groups. That’s because intergenerational bonding helps you try new experiences, forge connections with diverse folks, and gain insights into various walks of life.
In this article, we review the benefits of intergenerational bonding and offer an extensive list of some intergenerational activities you can try – whether with your family or through a local senior center.
What are intergenerational activities?
“Intergenerational activities” refer to games, experiences, and interactions between individuals of different age groups, including seniors, adults, and children. These activities range from a simple conversation to a day trip to a collaborative art project.
You can participate in formal or informal intergenerational bonding. For example, you might have a pizza party with your grandkids. Or you might volunteer with a nonprofit to read to children at the local library. Whether inside or outside your immediate family circle, intergenerational activities offer a chance to connect with people in your community.
Benefits of intergenerational activities for seniors
Engaging in intergenerational activities for seniors is one of the best ways to lead a happy, healthy, and engaged life. A scientific review of multiple studies found significant cognitive, social, and health-related outcomes of intergenerational activities for seniors. They determined that intergenerational bonding has a significantly positive impact on aging populations. Here are some of the proven benefits of intergenerational bonding:
- Decreased social isolation
- Greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life
- Enhanced self-worth, self-esteem, and empowerment
- Reduced risk of falls and frailty
- Increased strength, balance, and daily functionality
- Stronger cognitive health
- Overall improved quality of life
Most notably, intergenerational activities help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. An Americorps study of senior-age volunteers found that 88% reported less isolation and 84% reported better health following intergenerational bonding.
But these activities are not just fantastic for seniors. 92% of Americans believe intergenerational activities help reduce loneliness across all ages. Participation in these activities fosters a sense of connection and belonging that can radically improve mental health and overall quality of life for children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Check out these other 11 ways to combat senior isolation and loneliness.
Benefits of intergenerational activities for children
Hundreds of studies prove the vast array of benefits for children and young adults who participate in intergenerational activities. For younger generations, these experiences are a chance to learn from older adults, like getting exclusive access to the knowledge and expertise that seniors can provide. For example, you could teach a young child how to play an instrument, garden, or knit a sweater, lifelong skills they may not learn anywhere else. You can offer advice, wisdom, and a new perspective that high schoolers may not get with their current circle of teenage friends.
Simultaneously, you can learn from younger generations as well. They can help you learn a new technology, or you two can play a virtual game together. This sharing of experience and knowledge is one of the most beautiful and beneficial aspects of intergenerational bonding for seniors and children alike.
Other benefits of intergenerational activities for young children through college age include:
- Better vocabulary and language in younger children
- Enhanced reading and writing
- Improved mood management
- Less screen time
- Increased empathy, patience, compassion, and respect
- Reduced anxiety, stress, and sadness
- Greater academic performance
- Healthier family and friend dynamics
- Reduced substance use, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating
- Decreased bullying and victimization
- Well-defined educational and occupational aspirations
- Improved self-confidence and empowerment
- Higher rates of civic engagement
You’ll be amazed to watch younger generations blossom when you start engaging with them. A shy kid might come out of her shell during puzzle time with you. Or a high school student struggling in math might suddenly enjoy algebra when he gets tutoring time with you.
Benefits of intergenerational activities for family caregivers
Family caregivers often shoulder many responsibilities in caring for their loved ones. Intergenerational activities offer respite for both the caregiver and their loved one by focusing more on bonding than on caregiving duties. These activities alleviate stress, promote family cohesion, and create cherished memories for everyone involved.
Examples of intergenerational activities for families
Below are some ways you can bond with your adult children, grandkids, or other people in your community.
Read together: Choose a book that appeals to all ages and take turns reading aloud. After, discuss the story to deepen understanding and connection. This is especially beneficial for young children who are learning how to read. Want a great book that all ages will love? Try The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charles Mackesy.
Cooking: Prepare a meal together, involving each family member in different tasks based on their abilities. Cooking fosters teamwork, and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor by sharing a delicious meal. Cooking can be great even for remote intergenerational bonding; you and your long-distance family members can cook the same recipe simultaneously while video chatting, or you can join a virtual cooking class together.
Gardening: Planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs is therapeutic and educational for all ages. If gardening is a favorite pastime of yours, pass on your wisdom to the younger generations and teach them about nature, responsibility, and the environment. Kids particularly love getting their hands in mud and dirt, so this can be a lot of fun to share with them.
Day trips: Get out and about by exploring local parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, or historical sites as a family. These outings are perfect for adventure, learning, bonding, and social engagement. Use GoGoRides to help get you and your family there safely, allowing seniors and children to travel independently without worrying about driving.
Travel: Taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip with your family will be a cherished memory for decades. Some travel companies offer intergenerational activities and trips specifically, ensuring all ages have a blast. Check out our list of senior travel for some ideas on places to visit.
Puzzles and board games: Intergenerational activities like puzzles or board games promote problem-solving skills for children and seniors alike, helping to boost cognition and memory. Plus, a little friendly competition is a great way to encourage intergenerational bonding.
Movie marathon: Choose a family-friendly movie and host a movie night, complete with popcorn and blankets. After the movie, discuss the characters and themes to encourage more thoughtfulness and connection. Pixar movies are beloved classics the whole family can enjoy.
Art: Engage in artistic activities like painting, drawing, knitting, or crafting. This is a fun way for each family member to express themselves and work at their own skill level. Hang the artwork on your wall to show how proud you are of their creation!
Music and dance: Host a dance party or sing-along session with your favorite tunes from different eras. Include everything from your favorite ‘60s hits to recent Disney songs. Music and dance are intergenerational activities that transcend the ages, bringing joy to all.
Storytelling: Gather around a cozy spot and take turns sharing stories. You can recount wild tales from your youth, and young children can share their imaginative adventures. This preserves family history and strengthens intergenerational bonding through the power of storytelling. Bring photo albums, scrapbooks, or mementos to dive even deeper. If your family lives far away, virtual storytelling on video calls is one of the best intergenerational activities to stay connected.
Nature walks and birdwatching: Explore the great outdoors with nature walks or birdwatching excursions. Discovering plants and wildlife is a wonderful adventure that promotes physical activity, letting you get in your daily steps while spending time with your loved ones.
Talent show: Organize a family “talent show” where each member showcases their unique talents, from singing to magic tricks to poetry. This is such a fun way to celebrate individuality, get to know your family members better, and encourage one another’s skills.
Genealogy: Dive into your family’s history by researching ancestry together. Children will love creating a family tree, and adults and seniors will love learning more about their heritage and roots. This is one of the most meaningful intergenerational activities that will deepen your appreciation for your familial ties.
Volunteering: Volunteer as a family for community service projects, like serving meals at a soup kitchen or participating in fundraising events. Working together for a common cause strengthens bonds between your family and your community.
Online games: One of the easiest remote intergenerational activities is online games, like virtual board games or puzzles. Some virtual, age-friendly games include Words with Friends, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, QuizUp, Mario Kart, Scrabble GO, and many others.
Intergenerational activities for senior volunteers
Participating in intergenerational activities outside your family circle is another beautiful way to connect with society. Volunteering with local intergenerational bonding programs can positively impact your community.
Many intergenerational programs are designed for seniors interested in engaging with younger generations. Some examples include:
- Foster Grandparent Program
- Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
- Experience Corps through AARP
Check local libraries, rec centers, or places of worship to see if you can join nearby senior mentorship programs. These mentorship opportunities can focus on academic achievement, career development, life skills, or personal growth. This is an opportunity to be a positive role model by sharing your knowledge, experience, and wisdom with younger generations.
Stay connected with your community with GoGoRides. You can catch a local rideshare by calling our friendly operators and requesting a ride right from your front door. This is an easy, hassle-free way to get involved in your community without needing to own or drive a car. Learn more about GoGoRides here.
Facilitating intergenerational bonding for understanding and empathy
One of the greatest benefits of intergenerational activities is compassion. Effective dialogue between generations fosters empathy and mutual respect that has the power to transform our society. Intergenerational bonding provides a platform for sharing perspectives, experiences, and wisdom, bridging generational divides and promoting greater harmony. For example, children who work with seniors have a greater understanding of the world and compassion for older populations, which can enable them to become more empathetic leaders in the future. Below are some ideas to help foster intergenerational bonding conversations.
Family storytelling sessions: Create opportunities for every family member to share personal stories, anecdotes, and experiences in a safe space. Encourage active listening and open-mindedness to better understand one another and gain insight into the lives and perspectives of our closest loved ones.
Generational roundtable: Intergenerational programs will often organize structured discussions or “roundtable” sessions where different age groups can come together to discuss various topics, like current events, family traditions, or societal changes. This allows for the exchange of viewpoints and ideas in a respectful, inclusive manner. You can facilitate an informal roundtable with your family or as part of a volunteer intergenerational program to encourage younger generations to open up.
Interdisciplinary learning: Learning together and sharing knowledge allows for a deeper appreciation of one another’s interests and backgrounds. Explore topics and hobbies that appeal to different ages, like history, art, music, or literature. This can be a beautiful way to find common ground with people who seem dissimilar to you.
Community engagement: Encourage your whole family to participate in intergenerational programs. This allows family members to interact with one another and with others from diverse backgrounds, further broadening perspectives and fostering empathy. For example, you and your grandkids participate in intergenerational bonding at All-Ages Bingo once a month so you can spend time with each other and with the local community.
Getting involved with intergenerational activities
Intergenerational activities provide connection, learning, and support across generations. They’re a proven way to improve the lives of children, adults, and seniors, weaving a beautiful tapestry of community connection. By embracing intergenerational bonding experiences, your family can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds beyond age barriers.
You and your grandkids can easily get wherever you need to go, thanks to GoGoRides. We arrange reliable rides for seniors 24/7, so you’re never limited with what you and your family can do. Learn more about the benefits of GoGoRides here.
