BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW OLDER & YOUNGER GENERATIONS CAN CONNECT

By Angelique MacArthur

It’s no secret that each generation has preconceived notions about other generations. Comparisons and generalizations abound when it comes to determining the characteristics that define those born during a certain time period. And in recent years, the stand out generations being spoken about are Millennials and Baby Boomers.

According to thecollege investor.com, several places including the Census Bureau and Pew Research, classify Millennials as being born between 1981 and 1996. Many view Millennials as entitled, lazy, behind the 8 ball financially speaking and the ones who popularized the widespread use of technology and side hustles.

Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are considered the complete antithesis of

Millennials. Elearningindustry.com highlights that this 1946 to 1964 cohort is filled with hard workers that are self assured, disciplined and mentally focused.

Although these generations seem to have nothing in common, there is certainly more beneath the surface they can connect on. And it isn’t just Millennials and Baby Boomers who can benefit from learning more about one another, it’s all generations.

But how can people of different generations begin to bridge this divide? Here are a few ways to get the communication ball rolling.

There are many great benefits to different generations getting to know one another on a deeper level. The wisdom of each generation means they have a lot they can learn from one another. In addition, this offers a new type of social interaction, which expands to new community connections, promotes health, reduces stigmas and ageism. Discover more of the incredible benefits here:

To help you reap the benefits of intergenerational connection, try the suggestions below to begin bridging the gap with those of other generations around you.

There are common life events and passages that we all go through, and they naturally act as a connector when shared. A few are:

• Education & Learning

• Family & Friends

• Career

• Social & Fun Hobbies

• Health & Wellness

• Leaving Home

• Relationships

• Economics & Finance

• Politics

• Religion & Spirituality

• Changes in Technology

On the flip side, these are also areas you can share your current concerns about and compare how it is now to how it was during a previous time. A lot of wisdom from both generations can surface while discussing these topics, allowing more understanding to take place.

If you are ever stumped on questions to ask, here are some great questions to connect with people on a deeper level.

Enjoy travel? Playing board games? Exercising? With all of the options for hobbies there are bound to be ones you can find to enjoy together. Bond over a mutual hobby or find a new hobby to try, for example:

• Intergenerational experiences and initiatives in your community

• Day trips to a favorite or new spot for exploration & discovery

• Play board games or a fun question & answer game

• Festivals

• Ar ts & crafts

• Gardening

• Dancing

• Karaoke

• E xercise class or try Wii Sports

• Spa or self care day

• Volunteer

• Join a club

As you get to know one another, you’ll learn more about things you enjoy doing together and increase your connection further!

Taking note of the important things in each other’s lives will offer a great opportunity to show the other person they matter to you.

From special events to holidays, there are ample points to continue to bridge the gap. Sending cards, small gifts or even showing up to cheer them on or lend support at special moments in their life will foster a new level of intergenerational connection.

We all lead busy lives and things can get in the way, but when intergenerational connection happens, it provides deeper benefits for the individuals and their generations. Agree on a regular schedule to connect, put it in your calendar and make it a priority.

At the end of the day, each person (and generation as a whole) wants to know they are respected, wanted and valued. And while it can seem difficult or scary to reach out for that connection, it can be well worth it. Take the time to learn more about those from a different generation than yours and reap those unique benefits in your life today.

Who can you connect with in your life that is from a different generation than yours? How will you reach out to them?

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Mondays 1:00pm-2:30pm

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Alta Vista Cremation and Funeral Service

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McCune Garden Chapel 212 Main St. Vacaville, CA 95688 mccunechapel.com

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Adya Hospice & Palliative Care

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Collabria Care Palliative & Hospice Services

414 S. Jefferson St. Napa, CA 94559 collabriacare.org/hospice

707-258-9080

Hospice is specialized care that addresses the unique needs of individuals and their families when facing end-of-life. The service includes a physiciandirected team of professionals who are committed to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients, caregivers and families. Serving Napa County and parts of Solano and Sonoma Counties.

NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement

4520 Business Center Dr. Fairfield, CA 94534 NorthBay.org/Support 707-646-3595

Senior Helpers North Bay 1100 Trancas St., Ste. 105 Napa, CA 94558 seniorhelpers.com/ca/solano-yolo 707-251-1540 bnations@seniorhelpers.com

ORGAN DONATIONS

California Transplant Donor Network West 1611 Telegraph Ave., Ste. 600 Oakland, CA 94612 donornetworkwest.org 888-570-9400

UC San Francisco Willed Body Program San Francisco, CA 415-476-1981