There’s nothing better than a big family gathering where everyone can catch up and enjoy each other’s company. However, finding engaging and fun activities for every age group can be challenging. If you want to make the most of your time together, planning some intergenerational activities to enjoy with your family can help.
The Importance of Intergenerational Activities
Have you ever tried to plan an intergenerational activity? That term might be new to you, but odds are good you’ve participated in quite a few without realizing it. Intergenerational activities promote sharing and engagement between people of different generations, such as a grandparent and a grandchild. Aside from being entertaining, intergenerational activities have a lot of rewards for everyone who joins the fun:
- Intergenerational activities provide significant opportunities for people of different generations to socialize and engage with each other. Younger people learn how to relate to their elders in a natural way, and seniors get the chance to create new bonds with their younger relatives.
- Intergenerational activities provide opportunities for reminiscence and sharing family wisdom. They’re an excellent opportunity for seniors to pass their knowledge on to the younger generation and give everyone the chance to create new memories together.
- Intergenerational activities can help families find new ways to support each other. Seniors can gain a new sense of purpose from interacting with younger family members, and children can gain increased confidence and stability from supportive relationships with elders.
Some Activities to Try
Card Games
If you’re looking for an easy activity that will appeal to anyone of any age, grab a deck of cards and try some of these simple, well-known games. Games like War and Go Fish can be an excellent option for an intergenerational group because younger people are eager to play, and seniors can guide and teach as they go. Board games can also be fun, but avoid ones with overly complex rules and setups. Classics like checkers and chess are usually a good fit as well.
Nature Walk
If you’re looking for a more active option, a simple walk around a park or other natural area can provide exercise and entertainment. Discuss the changing seasons, look for birds or other local flora and fauna, or enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. You can even bring a snack and some comfortable seating, making it a day of outdoor fun!
Craft Time
Making a fun craft with someone you love is a great way to share quality time with them. Select a craft or two that works with everyone’s ability levels, then help each other create a masterpiece. Crafts also make lovely keepsakes, so you’ll have a souvenir of your time together.
Reminiscing Together
Did you know that sharing treasured memories can have proven benefits for a senior’s mental and emotional health? You can make reminiscing into an activity by doing it together. Talk about shared memories like favorite holidays and family vacations, or ask people to share their recollections of their favorite times together.
Activity Books
If you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon, activity books can still provide plenty of fun for everyone at the table. Younger participants can enjoy coloring books or simple puzzles, and seniors can enjoy senior activity books full of memory games and brain teasers.
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We hope these intergenerational activities will lead to bonding and fun for you and your family. How can you make your next gathering an intergenerational success?
Are you looking for a community that puts senior health and well-being first? At The Gables on Pelham, we’re happy to provide our residents with various tools and services to assist them in making the most of life. With our warm, welcoming environment and full community calendar, you’ll find plenty of friends and opportunities for activity and wellness. To learn more, please schedule a tour, send us a message online, or call 864-286-6600.