Why intergenerational relationships matter
Living within an extended family household is common globally; 38% of people reside in a home that has multiple extended family members including aunts, grandparents, cousins, and others. But the second most common type is a two-parent household with minor children (33%). Culture and tradition often inform living arrangements, with almost half of Asians in an extended family environment and one in 10 Europeans living completely on their own.
Regardless of who you live with, intergenerational relationships offer benefits for everyone involved. Young people who engage with older adults show improved development, including better emotional regulation and fewer behavior problems, as well as increased empathy and a positive attitude towards aging. Older adults experience a higher quality of life, with fewer depressive symptoms and stronger physical health; they also become more inclined to nurture, guide, and leave a positive legacy for future generations. Additionally, all ages are able to share knowledge and ideas, support milestones, preserve culture, and connect for overall well-being, traditions, support, and life experiences. These exchanges strengthen communities and families across generations.
Stay connected across generations
One of the most effective ways to strengthen any relationship is through consistency. Formal intergenerational programs have found that the best outcomes happen when there are more frequent interactions. A weekly phone call, a monthly letter, or a standing video chat gives both people something to anticipate. Plus, these shared routines create a sense of reliability and predictability, even when loved ones live far apart.
For older adults, familiar routines can provide structure and reinforce social connection. For grandchildren and younger relatives, recurring activities become traditions that create lasting memories. Over time, these repeated interactions often become more meaningful than occasional large events because they are woven into everyday life.
A five-minute Sunday video call every week may strengthen a relationship more than a single long conversation every few months. With that in mind, here are five activities to try, around the dining room table or over a distance. Adapt for different ages, interests, and abilities as needed.
1. Reading Club. Choose a short book, article, or even a podcast episode each month. Grandparents and grandchildren can discuss what stood out, they learned, or whether they liked it.Possible Project: Create a "Family Favorites List" where each person recommends books, stories, or articles for the group.
2. Story Exchange. Letters are still one of the most personal forms of communication. Instead of simply writing updates, family members can exchange stories from their lives. Delivered by hand or through the mail, these can feature a favorite childhood memory or important life lessons.Possible Project: Build a family memory book by saving copies of letters, photos, and stories.
3. Parallel Hobbies. People do not always have to complete an activity side-by-side to share it. A grandparent and grandchild might each:They can then compare progress through photos, phone calls, video chats, or in-person sharing.
Possible Project: Create a shared "progress journal" documenting each person's experience.
4. Show-and-Tell. Schedule a monthly family gathering in person or online. Each participant brings one item to share like a photograph, keepsake, recipe, artwork, or meaningful object, and explains why it matters to them. This activity encourages storytelling while helping younger family members learn more about family history.Possible Project: Create a digital archive of family stories connected to special objects.
5. The Big Collaborative Project. Long-term projects can create an ongoing reason to stay connected. Decide together on one big project to do together, with everyone contributing something significant. For example:Possible Project: Develop a "Family Through the Years" timeline featuring photos, memories, and milestones.
Caregivers connecting
Caregivers often play a key role in helping intergenerational relationships flourish. For example, while technology can be a wonderful tool, it may also create barriers. A caregiver can help by:
They can also support traditional communication methods by helping organize photographs, mailing letters, gathering art projects from grandchildren, or creating memory books. Sometimes a caregiver's greatest contribution is simply helping create opportunities for conversations to happen.
Relationships between generations help remind younger people where they come from and help older adults remain connected to the people and communities they love. World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is a reminder that strong relationships are not defined by distance or age. They are built through consistency, curiosity, and the willingness to creatively connect across the ages.
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Sources: Pew Research; UN; International Psychogeriatrics; WHO; NYT