Emotional connections are a key aspect of senior care which assists in improvement of their overall well being and quality of life. These connections are extremely important and valuable as they foster a sense of belonging, security, and support, which are vital for maintaining good mental health, and improve mood, reduce isolation, and potentially slow cognitive decline. [1] 

Cognitive and mental well being can be boosted immensely when seniors have robust social connections. Socialisation between the youth and the elderly is often beneficial in improving memory, attention, as well as problem solving skills. Emotional connections with youth will provide the seniors with a sense of belonging, as well as give them new perspectives on life. There is an opportunity for seniors to be receptive to the new generation, share their stories as well as provide life advice.  Activities like card games, trivia, and group exercises not only challenge seniors cognitively but also promote social bonds, enhancing both memory and problem-solving skills. The joy and satisfaction received from these emotional connections can improve the resilience displayed by the seniors. [2] [3]

Tips for Encouraging Connections

Fostering strong bonds between seniors and youth can be extremely enriching for both generations, leading to reduced social isolation, enhanced learning, and a stronger sense of community. To build these connections effectively and ensure they endure, a few tips are mentioned below: 

1. Finding shared interests and experiences: Organisation of activities which entertain both seniors and the youth would enhance the connection between both generations. Workshops, board games, music, art and craft, cooking, and gardening are some activities which can promote bonding and formation of commonality between both generations. Common grounds can be found in shared goals, tasks, and accomplishments in life. [4]

2. Two way learning and mentoring: Workshops and classes taught by the younger generation on how to use social media, technology as well as cyber security and safety would be beneficial to keep seniors in touch with the modern advancements and keep them safe on the internet. Seniors can hold workshops and classes to teach the younger generations various activities and skills which may have been lost through time, such as crocheting, knitting as well as cooking regional food. Mentoring on life skills, career advancement and growth can be provided by the seniors. [5]

3. Open communication and understanding: Having proper communication and understanding of each other is essential in building long lasting relationships. Few requirements for open communication are the use of simple language and avoiding jargon, ensuring to use clear and cohesive language, being mindful of the tone used, also being aware of any non verbal cues and communication. Other important skills to have is active listening as well as giving the other person your undivided attention. [8]

Seniors may not be enthusiastic about engaging with younger generations. Some concerns that the seniors may have include fear of outcasting based on ageism and stereotypes, the difference in values and belief systems, being unable to keep up and communicate with the younger generation, having faced negative experiences in the past, as well as being afraid of the unknown. [9] To encourage and promote social interactions, bonding, and long term connections, kindness, patience, and empathy are important soft skills to have. 

Seniors may be hesitant to engage with the younger generation, which can be overcome by using small steps to build trust over time. Low commitment activities such as lunch together, or small workshops can be utilised as trust building activities. Introductions and brief one on one conversations could be used to slowly build a bridge between both generations, increasing the frequency of such interactions once the seniors are more comfortable. [9]

Potential benefits of these connections can be emphasized, which would also act as a motivator to the seniors. Sharing their experiences and wealth of knowledge with the younger generations in various ways such as narrative recreations or storytelling, could help the younger generations learn to communicate and be empathetic towards seniors. A sense of community, self worth, and purpose is developed through such connections which is an effective way to combat loneliness and isolation. [11]

Reducing the confusion and concerns that the seniors may bring up about such interactions and connections would encourage them to be more receptive. Displaying empathy, kindness, and compassion while addressing such concerns, while being aware of the language and tone being used is essential for the successful formation of lifelong friendships and emotional connections between the seniors and the youth. 

References:

1. https://buddymobilitycare.com/blog/why-emotional-well-being-matters-in-elderly-care 

2. https://www.elliapp.co/why-emotional-wellbeing-is-critical-for-cognitive-health 

3. https://www.willowshealthcare.com/blog/the-connection-between-socialization-and-cognitive-health-in-senior-care 

4. https://cocoflo.com/resources/intergenerational-parks-rec-activities-benefits 

5. https://www.dupageseniorcouncil.org/bridging-generations-engaging-activities-for-seniors-and-youth/ 

6. https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/afp/facilitating-intergenerational-understanding-and-activities/ 

7. https://online.aging.ufl.edu/2024/09/09/opportunities-for-connection-5-benefits-of-intergenerational-relationships/ 

8. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/8-ways-you-can-improve-your-communication-skills/

9. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15350770.2024.2396126?af=R#d1e699 

10. https://caringseniorservice.com/blog/ways-to-help-seniors-avoid-isolation/ 

11. https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/afp/facilitating-intergenerational-understanding-and-activities/