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Community Corner

Spend Some Time Together, It's a Grand Way to Relate

Weekly musings from Jeff Long, public relations manager with the Fox Valley Park District.

They are treasured memories, those early days fishing off the dock with Grandpa. As I excitedly reeled in tiny bluegills, he demonstrated how to unhook the fish. Then he’d always give instructions to the fish as he gently returned them to the water.

“Go tell your mom and dad to start biting on one of these worms.”

Somehow, it worked. I’d catch a nice-sized bluegill and wonder how Grandpa was able to convince the bigger fish to get on line. 

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Later, we’d head back into the cottage where my brothers and I would help Grandma bake cookies. She did the cooking. We did the taste testing. For all those years (and to this day) her sweet and chewy chocolate chip cookies were the best in cookie-eating history.

Back then, we just called the times “visiting the grandparents.” Today, we refer to it as intergenerational interaction, and the experts will have you know the unique connections between children and seniors have innumerable benefits for both.

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The Fox Valley Park District is putting increased emphasis on strengthening this important bond by expanding its number of programs that offer intergenerational opportunities. These programs represent a largely untapped, viable resource for promoting physical activity and wellness that serve to benefit both young and older.

“Spend Some Time Together” is the motto, and the initiative features dozens of programs year-round that provide such opportunities. Outdoor endeavors include hiking, fishing, camping, bicycling and nature exploration tours. Indoor activities can include music classes, swimming, fitness and educational programs.

To a young child, a grandparent is viewed as a worldly teacher, someone full of wisdom and knowledge. They’ve been to so many places, and their stories are fascinating.

At the same time, they see their grandchildren in an equally remarkable light. Numerous studies show that older adults who are involved in intergenerational activities feel happier than other older adults. Increasing physical, cognitive and social activity through intergenerational programs can help improve health for an aging population and enhance educational learning for children.

Today’s youth can also offer insight for their elders. Seeing a grandchild provide computer lessons to a grandparent is a pretty common sight, no? And, by the way, who do you think helped Grandpa get on Facebook?

At the same time, seniors are positive role models for today’s youth, helping to foster friendships across generations. That type of interaction helps young people enhance communication skills while also promoting their self-confidence and esteem.

And, as touched upon earlier, who cooks better than Grandma? There’s just something about a home-cooked meal. Nothing else can compare. In a world of fast food that’s fried and processed, our elders can teach the younger set a thing or two about nutrition and eating right.

On that note, the park district is co-sponsoring a free intergenerational session on good eating next week. “Nutrition for All Ages: Feed Your Body, Mind and Spirit” will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora.

No matter what your age, good nutrition is important maintain good health. Likewise, spending quality time together makes for a healthy mind, body and spirit and, as Grandpa always said, there is no age limit on friendship. It lasts a lifetime.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net

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