As we get older, the thought of talking to new people can be daunting, especially if those people are younger or older than us. When I mentioned this to my daughter, she reminded me that I had recently attended an event with people 20+ years older and travelled with a friend who is 15 years younger! And enjoyed both!

Maybe spending time with people of different generations is not as daunting as I thought.

Thanks to my profession, I interact with people of all ages. Can new friendships be that much different?

So, after a little reading, I learned that there are many benefits to intergenerational friendships. Research shows that meaningful intergenerational interactions can lower depression rates by up to 26% in older adults. These interactions also encourage empathy, communication skills, and cultural understanding among young people.

Having intergenerational friendships also cultivates a network of resources, knowledge, and emotional support that benefits the whole community. For instance, older adults can offer wisdom, mentorship, and life experience, while younger generations can contribute energy, tech-savvy knowledge, and fresh perspectives.

Intentionally connecting with people across generations offers a practical solution to combat loneliness and promote active aging. This creates more inclusive communities for everyone, regardless of age.

By Diane Alavie, BSc. Phm.