This is just what's needed to balance the doom and gloom about 'grey tsunamis' etc - an ode to intergenerational friendships. I think the key to both of the friendships you describe is proximity and regularity, two things that many people find difficult to access... but it can be done! My partner and I share a home with his 92 year old mother and she'd struggle without us, but the benefits go both ways - my own outlook on ageing and my own inner ageist have been challenged and changed by living with her and I'm the better for it - and much more sanguine and realistic about the challenges and possibilities of ageing that I would have been without this setup. Thank you Hilary xxx
Amazing article. I agree with you 100%. I have had the privilege of befriending older adults and looking out for them the same way you describe in your article and they have enriched my life. Yes, it did involve some work on my part but that’s part of the friendship. To me, helping one person is even more important than doing volunteer work in a big organization. We all have to look out for each other.
This is just what's needed to balance the doom and gloom about 'grey tsunamis' etc - an ode to intergenerational friendships. I think the key to both of the friendships you describe is proximity and regularity, two things that many people find difficult to access... but it can be done! My partner and I share a home with his 92 year old mother and she'd struggle without us, but the benefits go both ways - my own outlook on ageing and my own inner ageist have been challenged and changed by living with her and I'm the better for it - and much more sanguine and realistic about the challenges and possibilities of ageing that I would have been without this setup. Thank you Hilary xxx
Encouraging friendships instead of pity - yes yes yes! Intergenerational friendships are a win-win. Such an excellent piece. Thank you!
Amazing article. I agree with you 100%. I have had the privilege of befriending older adults and looking out for them the same way you describe in your article and they have enriched my life. Yes, it did involve some work on my part but that’s part of the friendship. To me, helping one person is even more important than doing volunteer work in a big organization. We all have to look out for each other.
Yes! Yes! Yes! The best way to bridge the aging divide is to reach out ♥️