Life with dementia has its challenges, but did you know intergenerational relationships can provide connection, comfort, and cognitive stimulation, banishing loneliness and boosting wellbeing?
Let’s explore multigenerational relationships and how they hold the key to living well with dementia.
What do we mean by intergenerational relationships?
The generational divide has never felt bigger, thanks to the huge contrast in attitudes and lifestyles between the youngest adults, Gen Z, and older generations like Baby Boomers.
Here’s a rundown of the generations and a broad view of their characteristics:
- Gen Alpha: 2013 – 2025 – first to all be born in the 21st century, digital natives from birth.
- Gen Z: 1995 – 2012 – shaped by COVID-19, values mental health and the environment.
- Millennials: 1980 – 1994 – first to experience childhood with and without the internet. Educated, tech savvy, politically liberal.
- Gen X: 1965 – 1980 – resourceful, independent, values work-life balance.
- Baby Boomers: 1946 – 1964 – grew up after World War II, hard-working and prosperous.
- The Silent Generation: 1925 – 1945 – children of the Great Depression and World War II, known for living modestly and being civic-minded.
- The Greatest Generation: 1901 – 1924 – experienced World War II, patriotic and courageous.
Despite generational differences, there’s huge potential to come together to provide emotional support and companionship that benefits all, especially people with dementia.
Benefits of intergenerational relationships for people with dementia
Intergenerational relationships aren’t just beneficial for people with dementia; they’re enriching for everyone involved.
Younger generations can learn patience and empathy, while older adults with dementia benefit from fresh energy, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.
Here are some other benefits of caregiver and family relationships between young and older generations.
Reduces loneliness and boosts mood
Social interaction between older people and younger generations can provide companionship and joy, essential factors in reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Boosts cognitive function
Cognitive stimulation is essential for people with dementia. Activities with friends or relatives of different age groups keep the brain active and support the memory.
Enhances mental health and wellbeing
Feeling valued in a positive relationship improves self-esteem, mental health, sense of purpose, and emotional wellbeing.
Improves communication and social skills
Socialising with people of all ages encourages verbal and nonverbal interaction, reducing feelings of isolation.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Positive connections have a calming effect and lower anxiety levels, which can be high in people with dementia.
Encourages movement and activity
Taking part in physical activities together is fantastic for physical and mental health, improving coordination and mood levels.
Fosters empathy
Connecting with individuals from different generations helps to reduce the stigma and ageism younger people might have – and the empathy and understanding goes both ways.
Encourages joy after diagnosis
A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but maintaining strong relationships with adult children and grandchildren of all ages can spark pockets of happiness and joy in everyday life.
Intergenerational activities that inspire meaningful connections
If you’re keen to bond with an older relative or care home resident living with dementia but you’re unsure how, here are some ideas.
Storytelling and reminiscence
Ask about their childhood, favourite memories, holidays, pastimes, or experiences, to encourage conversation and connection.
Music and singing
Listening to familiar songs together or singing along to classics can create shared joy and trigger positive memories and stories.
Simple games and puzzles
Dementia-friendly games and activities like board games, card games, jigsaw puzzles, conversation games, or even digital memory games can be a fun way to connect and keep minds active.
Arts and crafts
Painting, knitting, seasonal crafts like Christmas decorations and spring flower wreaths, or even scrapbooking can be relaxing and enjoyable activities to do together which spark conversation and memories.
Gardening and nature walks
Discover more free dementia-friendly activities and inspiration for days out for people with dementia in the north and south of England.
Intergenerational care villages: connecting generations under one roof
Did you know there are intergenerational care villages dedicated to bringing together young and old to foster meaningful relationships?
These community-led villages provide opportunities for shared experiences, mutual support, and a sense of belonging across generations.
Some great examples include:
- Belong Chester – a vibrant care village that integrates older residents with the wider community.
- Apples and Honey Nightingale – a pioneering intergenerational care setting where a nursery and care home share a site, encouraging natural interactions between children and older adults.
- The Nest Nursery at Standish Care Village – a proposed development that will bring a nursery into a care village setting, reinforcing the benefits of intergenerational interaction.
Bringing intergenerational awareness into schools
Schools can actually play a very crucial role in encouraging intergenerational understanding.
Initiatives like dementia cafés run by students help break down barriers and build empathy from a young age.
For example, St Mary’s High School in Leyland operates a dementia café, where trained students invite people with dementia and their caregivers to share a brew and a biscuit in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Programmes like this one are fantastic for inspiring mutual learning and working towards a much more age-inclusive society.
The organisations championing intergenerational connections
There are several UK organisations that are committed to strengthening bonds between the generations, including:
- Intergenerational England – a national organisation that promotes intergenerational projects and policies.
- The Together Project – a charity that runs initiatives like singing and social groups, designed to bring different generations together for fun and connection.
The power of connection in dementia
Connecting across multiple generations and finding common ground between younger and older people is a powerful way to create an inclusive and supportive environment for people with dementia.
By bridging the gap between young and old, we can break the stigma around dementia, improve mental and physical health, and ensure people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia feel valued, engaged, and connected to their families and communities.
Dementia doesn’t mean the end of meaningful relationships, although we know it can feel that way at first when you’re adjusting to new dynamics.
However, with patience, understanding, and a dash of creativity, intergenerational relations can bring happiness, stimulation, and a sense of belonging to all involved.