Here are seven benefits of spending time with your adult children, grandchildren and other friends and family from different generations.

1. Meaningful Connections That Boost Emotional Well-Being

Spending time with other people can, in general, be good for your mental, emotional and physical health. Despite what you might feel like on some days, human beings are created as beings of fellowship. Being able to talk to and connect with others can uplift your spirits and renew your energy or sense of happiness.

This can be especially true when you mix with people who are younger than you. Their vigor for life can be contagious. Hanging out with grandchildren or other children can help you look at things with the innocence and curiosity of childhood again.

2. Reduced Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness

Regular interaction with others helps combat isolation and loneliness, which can be hazards of the aging process. As you get older, you may lose touch with friends who move away or go through periods of grief when loved ones and friends pass on before you do. By developing a support network of people who are younger than you, you ensure you have a community to turn to.

3. Increased Mobility and Physical Activity

It's natural to be somewhat hesitant to engage in activities with younger people, who might be a bit more spry than you are. However, going into these activities with common sense and an understanding of your own boundaries can help you get healthy activity into your day. For example, you might ask young people in your life to help you with gardening or other yard work, or you might start a multigenerational family bowling night. Talk about ways you can have fun with younger friends and family members in a way that increases your mobility without pushing you past your limits.

4. A Better Sense of Purpose

Having something to look forward to on a regular basis can increase your sense of purpose in life. If you know the grandkids look forward to your every Tuesday lunch and board games meet-up, you might be more motivated to take care of yourself or get other things done throughout the week.

Some intergenerational activities foster a sense of contribution for older adults. Volunteering with younger people in a literacy center, for example, can help you feel like a critical part of the community. Even that aforementioned board-game lunch might have a secondary purpose of giving Mom or Dad a break to rest or handle other obligations.

5. The Ability to Learn About Younger Generations

Spending regular time with younger people can help you learn about them and their generation. You might spend some time listening to music they enjoy or watching TV shows that reflect their lives and values. Talking about what the younger people in your life enjoy watching, reading, listening to or doing can help you learn about them, and that knowledge can strengthen your relationship with them in the future.

6. An Opportunity to Teach Younger Generations

When you make time to learn about your younger friends and relatives, they might be more likely to return the favor. This gives you a chance to teach younger generations about things you enjoy or think are important. Intergenerational activities can be a great time to pass on lessons you've learned by telling stories about your life. You can also use that time to pass on critical skills many people aren't learning today, such as cooking, food storage, needlework, sewing or woodwork.

7. More Fun and Laughter in an Older Adult's Life

Of course, all your intergenerational activities don't have to have a specific purpose. Simply being together and enjoying lighthearted activities can bring you closer together and ensure there's plenty of fun and laughter in your life. Think about things you can do with young people in your life that everyone might find enjoyable. You could read picture books to younger kids, play cards with older kids or even give video gaming a try if you haven't before.

The key to successful intergenerational activities is open-mindedness. If multigenerational activities are new for your family or friend group, you may need to model that open-mindedness for others, so be willing to take the first steps outside your comfort zone to begin learning about younger people and inviting them into your space.

‍