015. Teens and Seniors: an unlikely friendship?
This week’s episode features a very special guest: Lori’s 17-year-old daughter, Abby. She’s a snack cart girl for a senior independent living community (which Lori calls a “cruise ship on land”) and is a great example of the multi-generational connections that can happen between teens and seniors.
Though Abby was initially nervous to work with seniors, she has bonded with the people she’s met (and is very popular as the meal cart girl)! She explains how interacting with older generations has enriched her life, taught her life lessons, and how seniors truly cherish the chance to hang out with a “granddaughter” figure.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Younger generations may find it surprising how active seniors are and how lively the independent living atmosphere can be.
- Seniors are “normal people” that often have many things in common with teenagers.
- Interacting with seniors helps nurture admiration and appreciation for what came before you.
- Friendship connections can be made no matter your age.
- Even if you don’t work in senior care, there are numerous ways to volunteer with a community.
- Pen pals are in high demand since COVID-19 began and are a great way to promote engagement between generations and to reduce loneliness.
- Working with seniors can teach teens patience, respect, compassion and how to communicate clearly.
Topics discussed:
-Working in senior living
-Perks of an independent living community
-Senior / teen friendship
-How COVID-19 has changed senior living
-Working and volunteering with seniors
-Senior pen pal programs
-Communicating with seniors
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode 003. What is Independent Living and how can it give seniors a new purpose in life?, with Kristin Woods from Holiday Retirement
If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com or reach out online: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
