As we age, we need to create relationships with people who are younger than us.
After all, children often have an infectious energy and enthusiasm, while they – and teenagers - can no doubt benefit from the wisdom and experience of someone who has been on the planet that bit longer. Not only that but we seniors often have far more time to spare in which to listen to the concerns or worries youngsters may have. Certainly, more than working parents have.
Regardless of age, social connections are vital for mental as well as physical well-being. But, considering the chasms in experience that often exist between the young and old, just how do we build those inter-generational friendships? Well, here’s some ideas right here:
Keep an open mind. A 14-year-old’s world today is completely different to that of a young teenager in the 1940s or even 1960s. And it’s not just in terms of music, fashion or women’s rights. Technology has turned the way we communicate on it is head – and teenagers together with 20-somethings are at the forefront of that.
Take social media, for instance, that didn’t really get going until the mid-Noughties and now it’s how many brands advertise and sell to the younger generation. Most youngsters can’t imagine not having digital banking, while many seniors still prefer a teller transaction.
Be respectful. In families, in particular, where familiarity can sometimes take over from niceties, it’s important to listen to each other and not overtly criticise in public. If you don’t understand what your younger relative is saying or why they’re saying it then ask and try to see why they have reached a particular viewpoint.
Learn from each other. Get the younger ones to help you out when it comes to technology if you find it baffling. You, in turn, can impart your own wisdom on pension funds, baking recipes, dress making etc. We all have skills or talents that others, regardless of their age, may be fascinated by and want to learn from us.
Get a common interest. There’s lots of hobbies or past times out there that can be enjoyed by different generations at the same time. Discussing what you’ve been reading in a book group, for instance or, if you’re feeling active then playing bowls or going along to the putting green can be a great activity to do together. Chatting while putting together a jigsaw, cooking or playing board games works well too.
Meanwhile, you really are never too old to make new friends – because it really doesn’t take all that long. A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships claimed it only takes around 50 hours to turn an acquaintance into a casual friend and a further 90 hours to switch up to friend states. After around 200 hours he or she will probably be a best friend.
How to make new friends – of any age
Volunteering is a great way to meet people of all ages. This could be in a local charity shop, at a local nature reserve or driving people to hospital.
Go along to your local library and see if they’re running any classes or groups. Most libraries have a book group. You may see posters there for a weekly quiz night or painting class etc.
There’s often local walking groups, and fitness classes for seniors. If there’s a swimming pool nearby then aqua aerobics is a great way to get fit and meet people.
Even if you feel half-hearted about going along to a particular class or group, it’s worth attending for the opportunity to meet others. Once you become friends you can get them to join you at your favourite activities as well.
