Everyone benefits when old, young come together

I recently had a chance to attend a meeting of community organizations that bring together senior citizens and school-age children for a variety of activities and projects.

Some programs had seniors helping children with reading skills. Others promoted foster “grandparents” in nursery school programs. Still others brought school bands, orchestras and service clubs into senior residences to provide entertainment and share activities.

There were dozens of community organizations represented, and dozens of ways they were finding to bring together these two age groups. There also were dozens of testimonials about the positive impact of these programs on the lives of everyone involved, which shouldn’t be surprising.

Research is conclusive that the lives of the elderly are dramatically affected by such interaction. Emotional health is enhanced, with rates of depression especially declining. Cognitive functioning, such as reasoning and memory, improves. Physical health also improves — seniors can regain mobility and dexterity, and rates of illness and accidents decline. The spiritual life of these seniors — their sense of meaning and fulfillment — also is nurtured.

For children, the rewards are equally significant. Senior involvement in the lives of young children helps provide the attention and nurturing necessary for healthy development. Tutoring programs improve academic skills. Older children’s involvement with seniors teaches social responsibility and compassion.

Incredibly, all of this happens at little or no cost to those involved or to society. Some programs are staffed by volunteers, some by teachers, social workers and others who devote a part of their workday to these efforts.

No matter how these programs are supported, however, the rewards we all gain from such efforts far exceed their cost.

I guess this really isn’t a new idea. I can still remember summer nights spent on my grandparents’ porch, reading, playing games or listening to them reminisce. Those are some of the best memories I have, and I know those times were precious to them as well.

To bring together the old and the young to enrich each other’s lives is a time-honored tradition. Some very creative people are just using it in new and special ways.

Ÿ The Rev. Ken Potts’ book “Mix, Don’t Blend: A Guide to Dating, Engagement, and Remarriage with Children” is available through book retailers.