Friendships are an integral part of life. The saying ‘No man is an island’ holds true for all of us. We need friends to share the happy moments with – the laughter, the accomplishments and the companionship. Just as importantly, we need friends to be our pillar of support through tough times, and our listening ear when we need someone to talk to.
Having friends can have positive effects. For example, when we are stressed or feeling down or depressed, it always helps to have a listening ear and to have someone to motivate us. In addition, the connection and relationship you feel when you’re with your friends gives you a sense of belonging.
By sharing and exchanging life experiences, friends help each other to learn new things and to mature in terms of outlook and character. This is especially true for intergenerational friendships.
Intergenerational friendships are unique
Not all friendships are formed between people of similar age groups. Many flourishing friendships could be formed between people who come from different generations, such as those between younger and older adults.
Those who are younger can benefit from the wisdom their older friends have to impart and can learn valuable life experiences. As the older friends share past experiences, they offer first-hand perspectives of events and practices from previous generations.
Older friends are able to stay in touch with current trends and opinions as they interact with their younger friends. Older adults, who are more prone to loneliness can benefit from increased social interaction with their younger friends too.
How can we form intergenerational friendships?
It is true that most of us prefer and tend to form friendships with others who are of similar age, believing that they would share the same interests. However, we just have to take a few simple steps to meet friends from other generations:
1) Volunteer
There are many places that require volunteer assistance, such as hospitals, pet shelters, places of worship and community welfare homes. Besides being able to meet people of various age groups who are part of the volunteer team, we will also get to make friends with those whom we are helping, such as older friends from welfare homes.
2) Join a common-interest group
People from all walks of life and age groups can often bond together based on a shared interest to form various common-interest groups. These can range from hobbies like singing and rollerblading groups, to groups formed to champion certain causes, like an environmental action group. Visit the nearest community centre to find out what common-interest groups are available. Alternatively, the internet offers many options to choose from, especially through social networking websites.
3) Form intergenerational friendships within the family
Our extended family is actually one of the best places to start forming intergenerational friendships. With the existing family bond to build upon, it is easier to get to know relatives on a more personal level.
Take the time to talk to relatives and extended family members of a different age group during gatherings or festive occasions. Take down their email or instant messaging or Facebook contacts – and make an effort to be open and know them better or meet them for meals. Over time, you may discover that you may have a new golfing buddy!
4) Mentor someone
No matter our age, there is bound to be someone younger than us whom we can offer our expertise and advice to. As a mentor, we would find new purpose in life and have a renewed confidence, as others come to us for guidance and value our inputs.
For example, as an older adult, you can volunteer to coach someone at your workplace, especially the newcomers in your team. This will help refresh the skill sets you already have, and you can develop leadership skills along the way.
It is always reassuring to know that we have people who stand by us through the good times and the bad times in life. At the same time, it is rewarding to know that we can play a role as somebody else’s pillar of support.
With friends from other generations, our friendships are enhanced with useful advice from older friends, and lively encouragement from younger friends. Intergenerational friendships broaden our range of experiences in life, and make each day more interesting and fulfilling.