Millennials and Boomers: Mutual Support

We don’t often celebrate caring across the generations. When we were growing up, grandparents were the ones who gave us whatever we wanted, provided we didn’t tell our parents. And as the grandma of five grandsons, I know that still applies today.

There’s been talk about Granny leave for caregivers of elderly parents. American businesses lose billions of dollars a year due to employees taking leave. As the number of family members available to care for aging loved ones decreases and the number of those in need increases, our society is facing serious social issues.

How do we honor intergenerational relationships, highlight aging with dignity and demonstrate the growing need to support caregivers?

You must have heard about Millennials with huge student loans and poor job prospects that have boomeranged back home. They’re the first generation to grow up as digital natives so aware of terrorism and globalization. As a result, they have a thoughtful approach to navigating a chaotic world. According to a recent Millennial Impact Report, three quarters of them donate money to charitable causes and almost two thirds volunteer their time to help others.

Think about reconciling the growing need for caregiving by pairing available Millennials with grandparents who would enjoy the emotional connection. And what’s the bonus? One study shows that a good relationship between grandparents and adult grandkids may bring emotional benefits to both, specifically fewer depressive symptoms. The elders in the study who were able to give back tangible support had the biggest boost in mental wellbeing. They had a sense of purpose as well as felt more worthwhile and needed.

So why not let grandma share her best recipes with you, write a birthday check, or give you that family heirloom? Ask grandpa about his life growing up and learn form his stories of successes and failures. You’ll see that a two-way supportive relationship can be a win/win for everyone.