No Matter Our Age

I grabbed a copy of the Oak Hill Grapevine from a stack in the lobby after a pastoral visit at a senior living and rehab center this week and read this while walking to my car —

Studies show that older adults who interact regularly with children or teens often feel more purposeful, experience less loneliness, and even see improvement in memory and mood. Meahwhile, younger folks gain a sense of perspective, patience, and emotional intelligence when they build relations with seniors.

In countries like Japan and the Netherlands, preschools and daycare centers are joining forces with senior living facilities, creating shared spaces where little ones and older adults can lean and play tougher. It turns out that finger painting and storytelling sessions can do wonders for everyone involved, young and old.

Even without a formal program, small moments matter. And don’t underestimate the values of a causal chat at the park or the grocery store; sometimes the best conversations happen when no one’s trying too hard.

Let’s celebrate the many ways we can all learn from each other, no matter our age.

— Are we listening, Church?