Vitalia Senior Residences at Strongsville Encourages Intergenerational Relationships Between Children and Older Adults

As we age, health becomes a major focus of our daily lives. We begin to think more about eating well, getting enough exercise, and keeping our minds active. But health is more than that – it also includes our relationships with others, specifically intergenerational relationships. 

According to an article in Press & News, there are the many benefits of intergenerational relationships between children and older adults.  

• Children who spend time with older adults growing up are less ageist as they get older.  
• It can prevent isolation and loneliness in older adults.  
• It provides a perfect opportunity for young and old to learn from one another.  
• It builds a stronger community.  
• It gives older adults a sense of purpose and helps younger generations have a greater respect for and value of older adults.  
• It helps keep stories and history alive within families and the greater community. 

At Vitalia Senior Residences at Strongsville, we promote intergenerational relationships in many ways! We have a wonderful relationship with one of our local schools, Incarnate Word Academy, specifically their Kinder Prep class. For over three years we have created a very sweet bond that started during COVID. The class made cards and art projects for the residents, and in return, we made craft kits for the kids to put together in their classroom. We helped to redecorate their classroom two years ago, and as an act of service, donated STEM kits for their classroom. This past year the children came to the community to trick-or-treat, sing Christmas carols, and join us for our monthly Story Corner. We have even taken some field trips to their school as well.

When observing the interactions between children and older adults, it’s easy to see how much older adults really have to offer to children, and vice versa! They share smiles, memories, information, and more. Intergenerational friendships are so important to both the children and our residents. Some of our residents don’t have small children in their families and miss interacting with little ones. It brings them joy to spend time with kids and to remember their children at that age. They can learn a lot from the youngsters, especially all the new technical information. For the children, what a wonderful way to learn about the past, and to respect and love the older generation.   

Each of our communities works hard to foster intergenerational relationships and memorable experiences.   

Source: Engage at Every Age: The benefits of intergenerational relationships – Senior Community Services