Nancy Weinbeck
As the science of longevity is picking up steam, we’re learning about steps we can take to enhance not just our lifespan but our health span. Some ways to help increase health span you may know as increasing your activity level, improving your sleep hygiene, and paying attention to your nutrition and hydration. But there are other strategies that can be fun, engaging, and gratifying while offering benefits of improved health span. One strategy is fostering intergenerational relationships, something we actively support at Bayview, through our Intergenerational Children’s Center (ICC).
Here are a few reasons why this strategy works.
I’m sure we’ve all heard by now how social isolation and loneliness can contribute to poor health outcomes among older adults. AARP research suggests that loneliness has the same deleterious health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Interactions between older adults and young children can be an effective weapon against loneliness and isolation. Here at Bayview, residents are able to engage with infants as young as 5.5 weeks up to 5 years old. This mixing of generations creates human connection not just for our residents but for the children as well. Side benefit: children growing up around older adults learn to see them as nurturing, supporting and caring rather than people to be afraid of. When we can nurture positive feelings around aging starting with young children, this will ultimately reduce negative stereotypes as children grow older and can mitigate the perpetuation of ageism in our society.
In addition, interacting with children also creates mental and emotional stimulation that can help maintain cognitive function in older adults. For example, older adults engaging with children experience a positive emotional jolt that brings with it neurochemical benefits. Engaging with children can: release dopamine, a “reward” chemical that can improve mood and motivation; increase endorphin levels, natural painkillers and mood boosters; release oxytocin, fostering emotional warmth and connection; increase of serotonin levels, which can regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. These chemicals do more than just help us feel good (and that’s great) – they can promote resilience, reduce stress, enhance immune function, and protect cognitive health.
In short, when older adults spend time with young children, they can enhance their own physical and mental health as well. And as written by Kiya Young, Bayview’s Intergenerational Children’s Center Director, in a recent blog post, “intergenerational centers are not just places of care but thriving ecosystems where every interaction enriches lives, builds stronger communities, and prepares future generations for a more connected, compassionate, and empathetic world.” Interested in learning more about our ICC? Call 206-284-7330 and ask for Kiya Young.