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October Newsletter

  • nicoleba606
  • Oct 23
  • 3 min read
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Young at Heart: How Kids Help Seniors Thrive

 

Building meaningful connections between generations enriches lives and strengthens relationships. In this issue, we explore the powerful bonds that form when seniors and children come together; sharing stories, laughter, and life lessons that bridge the age gap and create lasting impact for both young and old.

Read an article: Facts about intergenerational relationships!

“Why can’t we build orphanages next to homes for the elderly? If someone were sitting in a rocker, it wouldn’t be long before a kid will be in his lap.” — Cloris Leachman

The Benefits of Intergenerational Relationships for Seniors

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  • Improved cognitive function: Interacting with children can stimulate memory, language, and problem-solving skills.

     

  • Reduced risk of dementia: Mentally engaging activities and emotional bonds may help protect brain health.

     

  • Decreased depression and anxiety: Emotional connection, purpose, and laughter help improve mood.

  

  • Sense of purpose and meaning: Seniors often feel valued when they teach, mentor, or care for children.

 

  • Reduced loneliness and isolation: Children’s energy and presence create social engagement and connection.

 

  • Increased self-esteem: Being seen as a source of wisdom or comfort boosts confidence and personal value.

 

  • Strengthened intergenerational bonds: Sharing stories, games, and meals bridges generational gaps.

 

  • Increased community involvement: Participation in schools, libraries, or youth programs opens new social circles.

 

  • Reduced ageism: Being around young people helps both generations better understand and respect each other.

     

  • More physical activity: Playing, walking, or doing crafts with kids encourages movement.

 

  • Better health outcomes: Some studies show improved physical markers (like blood pressure and mobility) when seniors are regularly active with kids.

 

  • Enhanced creativity: Children’s imagination and spontaneity can inspire older adults.

 

  • Opportunities to share skills or knowledge: Seniors can pass on stories, traditions, and wisdom.

 

  • Learning new things: Whether it’s tech, trends, or new games, kids keep seniors mentally agile and curious.

Grand Times Together

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Arts & Crafts

Ideas: Painting, coloring, making holiday decorations, scrapbooking, or creating greeting cards. Benefits: Boosts creativity, fine motor skills, and provides joyful expression. Helps seniors feel productive and connected.

  

Storytelling & Reading

Ideas: Seniors read books aloud to kids or share life stories and family history. Kids can also read to seniors. Benefits: Strengthens memory and cognitive skills, builds emotional connection, reinforces legacy and identity.

 

Cooking or Baking Together

Ideas: Simple recipes like cookies, sandwiches, or traditional family meals. Benefits: Encourages movement and routine, offers sensory stimulation, and opens doors for conversation and cultural exchange.

 

Games & Puzzles

Ideas: Board games, card games (like Go Fish or Uno), or jigsaw puzzles. Benefits: Enhances mental stimulation, promotes laughter and bonding, and reduces stress.

 

Light Exercise or Dance

Ideas: Chair yoga, simple stretches, walks, or dancing to music together. Benefits: Improves mobility, balance, and mood; increases energy and combats sedentary behavior.

 

Music & Singing

Ideas: Singing songs together, playing instruments, or listening to each other’s favorite music. Benefits: Stimulates memory, lifts spirits, and encourages emotional expression.

 

Gardening

Ideas: Planting flowers or vegetables in pots or garden beds, watering, and harvesting together. Benefits: Encourages gentle physical activity, reduces stress, and creates a calming routine with visible results.

 

Technology Time

Ideas: Kids teach seniors to use smartphones, video calls, or apps; take selfies or make videos together. Benefits: Encourages learning and adaptability, helps seniors feel more connected in a digital world.

 

Role Play or Dress-Up

Ideas: Pretend play with costumes or themed activities like “teatime,” doctor visits, or mini theater. Benefits: Sparks imagination, reduces stress, and allows for lighthearted bonding.

 

Letter Writing or Pen Pal Projects

Ideas: Seniors and kids write letters to each other or to others (e.g., thank-you notes, cards for service members). Benefits: Fosters emotional connection, supports literacy, and gives seniors a sense of purpose.

Some Products that I like:

 

Simple Matching Game-Colorful simple photos, durable and washable. A great game that you can modify to any cognitive level by just simply using less cards. All ages can play together!

Wooden Tic-Tac-Toe Game-Easy to hold, Limited instruction and most likely the loved one has played in their youth.

If you have a topic that you'd like to explore

 

Email me!

brilliancedementiaconsulting@gmail.com

Contact Me

“Both young children and old people have a lot of time on their hands. That’s probably why they get along so well.” — Jonathan Carroll

I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know   This is NOT a replacement for healthcare.  This is not considered healthcare advice.  Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation. 

www.brilliancedementia.com


541-214-3213 brillliancedementiaconsulting@gmail.com


 
 
 

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