A recent New York Times piece titled “Old and Young, Talking Again” explores the link between cross-generational connections and improved perceptions and outcomes of aging. Opportunities for younger folks and older folks to connect in what gerontologist Dr. Karl Pillemer refers to as “equal status contact” through consistent, intergenerational programming has been shown to offer a number of benefits, including “reduced ageism”–for both young people and older adults–as well as “less depression, better physical health and increased ‘generativity’ [i.e. “desire to leave a legacy”] among older adults.”
In last month’s “How Healthy is Your Health Ministry?” webinar, we discussed the importance of setting intergenerational solidarity as a priority when creating and sustaining an inclusive health ministry. None of us arrive at our older adulthood by skipping our tweens, teens, and young adulthood. Aging and the factors that affect our long term health and wellness occur across our entire lifespan. Being intentional in bringing together younger and older members of your faith community demonstrates an understanding of our interconnected lives and well-being.
Many of the elements of PHW’s Healthy Aging Inclusion Plan can be adapted for intergenerational use. For assistance and ideas for how to adapt your current and future health ministries to be more intergenerationally inclusive, reach out to Krista at krista@nccouncilofchurches.org.
More on Healthy Aging from our partners:
Supporting Older Adults to Thrive and Age Well in NC Communities
-Guest post from Healthy Aging NC
To ensure healthy aging, it is essential that older adults are respected and portrayed as capable, competent, effective and valued. The NC Center for Health & Wellness (NCCHW) at UNC Asheville supports the NC State Aging Plan–a 4-year federal and state mandated plan outlining collaborative strategies to help to change the way we think, feel, and act towards others and ourselves based on age.
The NCCHW partners with the NC State Division of Aging and Adult Services to promote healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults in North Carolina. An initiative of the NCCHW, Healthy Aging NC, serves as the statewide resource center for evidence-based health promotion programs.
Healthy Aging NC supports a network of partners who provide a variety of low/no-cost programs and initiatives. This network includes statewide coalitions, community organizations and the Area Agency on Aging network, which support healthy aging initiatives throughout the state.
Programs include:
– Healthy Aging NC Arthritis & Falls Prevention Programs, which improve balance, muscular strength, mobility, flexibility, pain relief, and psychological health & well-being.
– Healthy Aging NC Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs (“Living Healthy”), which focus on building confidence in managing chronic disease symptoms, utilizing effective strategies for healthy aging, developing problem-solving and communication skills to advocate for your needs, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that works for you.
– Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS), offered statewide in partnership with Centralina Area Agency on Aging. PEARLS is an evidence-based program designed to reduce depressive symptoms and social isolation in adults 60 years of age and older by building participants’ confidence in their ability to improve their emotional health and maintain active & fulfilling lives. Get connected to PEARLS here.
Healthy Aging NC would love to hear from faith-based organizations across the state who have a passion for supporting older adults in aging well. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved in hosting “Living Healthy” or “Arthritis & Falls Prevention” programs in your community, contact:
Vivian Gettys, MPH, MA, RN
Chronic Disease Project Manager
NC Center for Health & Wellness at UNC Asheville – Healthy Aging NC
Email: vgettys@unca.edu
HANC Statement of Compassion and Inclusion
Learn more about programs and resources at Healthy Aging NC
Healthy Aging with North Carolina Senior Games
-Guest post from NC Senior Games
Run, jump, swim, and dance your way to healthy aging with North Carolina Senior Games!
NC Senior Games promotes healthy aging by encouraging and providing opportunities for adults to stay active in all areas of their lives.
“I’d say that Senior Games plays a very important role in my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually because I’m interacting with people, I’m moving, I’m able to stay active as a senior person,” says Senior Games participant Ruby Enoch (92 years old).
There is something for everyone at Senior Games! Participants can stay active by taking part in over 30 sports events, including events like basketball & softball tournaments, pickleball, and cornhole. If you want to get your creative juices flowing, try the SilverArts, which includes Performing Arts, Cheerleading, and Literary, Visual, and Heritage Arts. All skill levels are welcome at Senior Games, the only requirement is to be a North Carolinian who is 50 years of age or better.
Participants across the state compete at Local Games each spring. Qualifiers from Local Games are invited to participate in the annual Senior Games State Finals held every fall. To find a Local Games near you, or to learn more, go to www.ncseniorgames.org!
