On a typical Friday morning at 10 a.m., Richard Bement, a 76-year-old retired sales manager, and Zach Ahmed, a 19-year-old pre-med student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, sign on for their weekly video chat. The program that brought them together suggests discussion prompts and arts-related activities, but Richard and Zach often find themselves engaged in deep, meaningful conversations that transcend these guidelines.

“We just started talking about things that were important to us,” said Zach. Topics have ranged from Pink Floyd—a subject Richard explored in detail—to discussions about their religious faiths, changing gender norms, and poetry. “There’s this fallacy that these two generations can’t communicate,” Richard observed. “I don’t find that to be true.”

Their relationship, facilitated by Miami University’s Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) program, is a powerful example of how intergenerational interaction can break down barriers and foster mutual understanding. These conversations are more than just exchanges of words; they are bridges between generations, reducing the harmful effects of ageism and enriching the lives of all participants.

The Importance of Intergenerational Communication

A society where different generations do not interact is, as one researcher put it, “a dangerous experiment.” Research has shown that ageism can have serious consequences on older adults’ health. For instance, studies led by Yale psychologist Dr. Becca Levy have demonstrated a strong link between negative attitudes about aging and increased risks of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety【 source: NIH study on ageism and health】. These attitudes often begin in childhood, but they can be changed.

Programs like OMA are crucial in this regard. By bringing together young and old in meaningful ways, they help to counteract ageist attitudes. For example, several studies have shown that after just one semester of participating in OMA, students developed more positive attitudes toward older adults, including those with dementia. This change was not just superficial; students reported feeling greater affection, kinship, and comfort in their interactions with older adults, compared to those who didn’t participate in such programs【source: Study on OMA’s impact】.

A 2019 meta-analysis co-authored by Dr. Karl Pillemer further supports these findings, indicating that intergenerational programs significantly reduce ageism among younger participants. As the body of research grows, the evidence continues to show that these programs have profound benefits, both for the younger generation and the older adults they engage with【source: Meta-analysis on intergenerational programs】.

Technology as a Bridge

While face-to-face interactions are invaluable, technology has made it easier than ever to foster intergenerational communication, especially when physical distance is a barrier. Several apps and platforms are designed specifically to connect people across generations, allowing them to share experiences, knowledge, and support.

1. Papa: Originally designed to help older adults with everyday tasks, Papa has evolved into a platform that connects seniors with “Papa Pals”—younger companions who provide not just assistance, but also Through the app, older adults can easily arrange visits, video chats, and other interactions with their Papa Pal.
2. Mon Ami: Mon Ami connects seniors with college students and other young adults who volunteer their time to provide companionship and help with tasks. The platform offers both in-person and virtual interactions, allowing for flexibility based on the needs of both the senior and the volunteer.
3. GenLink: This app is designed to promote meaningful conversations between different generations by offering a variety of prompts and activities. It’s particularly useful for families who want to strengthen bonds across generations, but it can also be used in programs similar to OMA.
4. Big & Mini: Big & Mini is a platform that pairs older adults (“Bigs”) with younger individuals (“Minis”) for regular conversations via video chat. The app fosters long-term relationships and has been particularly popular during the pandemic, helping to alleviate loneliness and build connections.

These apps are not just tools; they are gateways to richer, more fulfilling lives. By facilitating intergenerational communication, they help to break down stereotypes, reduce loneliness, and promote a sense of community that transcends age.

Join the Conversation

Whether you’re young or old, there’s so much to gain from reaching out to someone of a different generation. Have you had experiences with intergenerational communication? What impact did it have on your life? We’d love to hear your stories and thoughts. Join our forum and continue the conversation here: Age Brilliantly Forum.

For more insights on the importance of intergenerational connections, you can read the full New York Times article that inspired this discussion here.