In recent years, there has been significant focus on the importance of establishing and nurturing social relationships.
Numerous studies have correlated strong social bonds with benefits such as reduced blood pressure, improved immune system functioning and decreased inflammation. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, in 2023, even proposed a strategy to combat what he termed as the “loneliness and isolation epidemic” in America.
Research indicates that forming friendships across different age groups — interacting with both older and younger individuals — can offer greater satisfaction and fulfillment compared to exclusively connecting with peers of the same age. Dr. Aarthi Chandarana, a family medicine specialist who specializes in lifestyle medicine at Henry Ford Medical Center - Troy, expanded on the concept.
“When people talk about the importance of multigenerational friendships, they often focus on the benefits for the older person in the relationship,” Chandarana said. “But research suggests that these friendships are just as beneficial for younger people.”
Benefits of intergenerational friendships
Overcoming the health risks of loneliness is not the only way having friends of all ages can impact you; there are other benefits:
Brain health: The older generation might not know as much about TikTok, but the younger generation might not have any idea how to play backgammon. Relationships with people of different generations makes your brain work harder.
“When you have friends from different age groups, you learn from these differing life experiences,” Chandarana said.
Mentorship: Big life transitions can be impactful. To have an older friend can give you much-needed perspective and views.
“The younger person benefits from the wisdom of someone who has already traveled down the path they are on, and the older person often derives a sense of purpose and self-worth by sharing their experiences,” Chandarana said.
Personal growth: It’s easy to have friends who are near you in age, but that can lead people to have a narrow view of the world, with similar viewpoints and social norms. When you adopt intergenerational friendships, it can grow the view you have of the world and open your mind to new perspectives and ideas.
Creating friendships of all ages
It’s common to be drawn to friendships with individuals of similar age. Often, you’ll have shared experiences and speak the same language. However, there are advantages to building relationships with those outside your age group, whether they’re 10 or 20 years older or younger.
Explore a new hobby: Whether it’s delving into pickleball matches or engaging in strategic chess games, pursuing activities you enjoy increases the likelihood of encountering individuals from diverse age groups who share your passions.
Embrace openness: Cultivating new friendships doesn’t need to consume all your time. Simply drop by to check on a senior neighbor, strike up conversations with young parents in the grocery line, or offer tutoring sessions to elementary school children in subjects like math or art. These can all foster meaningful connections.
Establish a club: Whether your interests lie in lively book discussions, mastering sewing techniques, or venturing into the world of sourdough making, you can initiate a monthly club with members who span different generations. It can provide an excellent avenue for forging fresh connections. If leadership isn’t your forte, consider tapping into local resources such as the city library, community gardening clubs or recreational centers for support.
Engage in volunteering: Volunteering not only introduces you to individuals from various age brackets but also offers health benefits. Research indicates that volunteers exhibit lower levels of several cardiovascular risk factors compared to their non-volunteering counterparts. You can serve meals at a food pantry, participate in city cleanup initiatives or offering your services at local institutions like libraries or hospitals. These activities present opportunities for meaningful interaction and well-being enhancement.
“Loneliness is a true medical condition with serious consequences,” Chandarana said. “Whether intergenerational or otherwise, it’s important to make an effort -- at least weekly -- to reach out to a friend and connect.”
It’s important to remember that different generations might communicate in different ways. Though the younger generation might prefer to text or message through social media, older generations might be more comfortable with phone calls or in-person visits. Regardless of the type you use, consistency over time can allow you to build relationships that span generations.
“Such connections can shine a light on what it really means to live with a purpose,” Chandarana said.
To learn more about Henry Ford Health and how you can live well, click or tap here.