A recent feature on PBS News Weekend shone a spotlight on how intergenerational connections are helping older Americans stay happier and healthier, a trend that is gaining a foothold in senior living as communities develop compelling new ways to forge those connections.
The piece, which is part of an ongoing series from PBS about rethinking aging, cited an increased focus on forming and developing connections between older adults and younger ones as part of a larger national trend of “reimagining retirement.” The new approaches to retirement come as the American population ages with PBS citing Census Bureau data that while 18% of Americans today are 65 years old or older, that same demographic will represent 28% of the population in 30 years.
Among the places where these intergenerational connections are blossoming is Mirabella, a luxury apartment complex for older adults on Arizona State University’s campus in Tempe. Residents can take ASU classes and use the university’s facilities.
Shelley Malinoff, a 76-year-old resident of Mirabella, told PBS that she not only fills her time with water aerobics and Tai Chi – she also was taking three classes at ASU, making it important that she always save time for her homework.
“I don’t want to be in a place with just older people because you’re really limiting yourself,” Malinoff said. “So, I feel it does make me feel better really being with younger people. I never had kids, so for me it’s as though I can ‘adopt’ them and I don’t ever feel like they think of us as these old folks.”
Ali Rogin, the story’s reporter, told Malinoff that she had a busier schedule than most Millennials that she knew. To which Malinoff replied, “The hardest thing is not to do too much.”
Malinoff’s friends at Mirabella include not only her peers but ASU students, such as Charity Morrison, a graduate music student who is one of Mirabella’s artists-in-residence. As part of her position, Morrison performs both for and with Mirabella residents.
“You meet people that you had never, ever met before,” Malinoff told PBS. “I mean, how — Charity comes to dinner. We’re going to be cooking. Where would I have met someone like Charity?”
PBS explained that university-based retirement communities such as Mirabella are increasing, though Mirabella Lifelong Learning director Lindsey Beagley noted that not all are integrated in everyday campus life to the same extent as at ASU.
“These folks are really kind of pioneering the new retirement, which is a lifestyle that’s centered on learning and deep, purposeful engagement,” Beagley said.
In her story, Rogin noted that studies have demonstrated the benefits of intergenerational relationships for both younger and older generations.
“Young people gain self-esteem and have better attitudes about older adults, and interacting with young people boosts the mental and physical health of their older counterparts,” Rogin said.
PBS’s reporting also explored the work being done at Benevilla Community Center for older adults in the West Valley of Arizona. The center, which has many members in the early stages of dementia, features an on-site preschool, and activities with Benevilla’s members are an integral part of the school’s curriculum.
The story featured Colleen Peterson, a Benevilla member with mild cognitive impairment that has led to depression and anxiety. Peterson said seeing the little ones was “heartening” and made her and her fellow members feel younger again, and Peterson’s daughter said socializing with the kids has been “a powerful antidote.”
“I had one little boy and he was just sobbing and sobbing, and I just kind of patted him, and then pretty soon he just slid right off my lap, went with the other kids and started playing,” Peterson said of one memorable and powerful interaction for her.
Meanwhile, the children love it, too, and one mother of a 3-year-old said, “She’s had so much fun in a couple of the different activities that they do that she’ll just tell me about it for days or she’ll ask me when she gets to go and see them again.”
In the story’s final segment, PBS examined a village program in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The grassroots initiative is designed to help older adults stay connected with their communities and encompasses 270 villages across the United States. PBS reports dozens more of them are in development.
To watch the complete PBS story, “How Intergenerational Connections Help Older Americans Stay Happier and Healthier,” visit https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-intergenerational-connections-help-older-americans-stay-happier-and-healthier.
This story kicks off a new series from Senior Living Executive about the value of university retirement communities (UCRs) and intergenerational connections for older adults, and how those connections can be incorporated into senior living communities. Watch upcoming issues of Senior Living Executive for Part 2 and Part 3.
