Developing a sense of responsibility for the older generation is one method to improve intergenerational relationships. Younger and adult children need to offer assistance and care to the older generation and improve their quality of life.
Depending on the needs of the older adult, the younger generation can offer socioemotional and financial support.
They can also undertake tasks that help with the older adult’s daily living, including cleaning their house, mowing the lawn, and more.
Respect
For an intergenerational relationship to be successful, there is a need for respect for the older generation by the younger generation. Usually, the younger generation may not initially value relationships with older family members.
However, this tends to change when the younger generation starts to experience the joy and challenges of life’s events like marriage and parenthood. This promotes a renewed respect for the elders and their relevance in the family.
Reciprocity
Intergenerational relationships are characterized by reciprocity, where the younger generation supports the older generation while the older generation helps the younger generation.
While it is expected that younger generations provide emotional and financial support to their aged parents, older persons should offer love and attention to their grandchildren.
This eases the burden on their children, and each party benefits from this kind of relationship.
Resilience
Change is inevitable, and this is no exception for families. Things like divorce and intermarriage can occur in families and these are bound to affect intergenerational relationships.
According to a study done by Johnson in 1988, it was established that there were different kinship patterns in middle-class families after divorce. The study also found that paternal parents reported decreased support in these families.
Another study, however, done by Johnson & Barer in 1987 found that paternal grandmothers increased their kinship networks.
In this case, the grandmothers dealt differently with divorce by adding networks with new daughters-in-law and maintaining contact with former daughters-in-law.
FAQ
Why is it important to have intergenerational relationships?
Intergenerational relationships can invigorate and energize older adults as well as help reduce the likelihood of depression and loneliness. These relationships can also aide in cognitive stimulation and provide an opportunity for the older adult to learn new skills.
What factors support good intergenerational relationships?
Intergenerational relationships within the U. S. are generally marked by respect, responsibility, reciprocity, and resiliency. Throughout the family history, younger, middle, and older generations develop ways to support one another in the later years.
Why it is important to connect with older generations?
They make us feel connected not only to each other, but to something bigger, to the past and to the future, to the flow of life. This connection leads to tangible benefits for all generations. Research shows children need four to six involved, caring adults in their lives to fully develop emotionally and socially.
What does the intergenerational relationship promote?
Intergenerational relationships provide a pattern of support and care amongst the family. There's a give-and-take, back-and-forth exchange between the generations. For instance, the youngest generation, the grandchildren, can help grandparents with simple tasks, or help teach them about technology.
You must be logged in to post a comment.