ecently when a GetSetUp Learner Maryam, a 60-year-old resident of Lodha, expressed her thoughts, saying, "Our society organizes fun intergenerational activities that help create connections between residents”, it reminded me of my own growing up days as a fauji kid, traversing across towns and cities, coupled with many long terms stays with my grandparents. These regular interactions with grandparents have had a profound impact on how I have shaped up as an individual. Whether it was hearing the shloks of Ramayan that my grandfather read aloud or changing the wheels of the car that he insisted we help him with.  Our environments, circle of influence,  role models, guardians, and others during these formative years shape the personalities we become in society.  Maryam added, “I thoroughly enjoyed following the cricket matches held. I hope our society continues to host more activities like these for seniors as it not only creates new connections but also keeps us active."

However, in recent years, as I interacted with various communities and societies, I noticed a prevailing ageist mindset. The term "active agers," which I encountered through GetSetUp, resonated with me deeply. It challenges the stereotype that older adults have little left to contribute, lack interest in learning new things, or prefer to avoid engaging in new experiences. An important aspect of active aging is enabling older adults to participate fully in community life. This inspired me to write about how communities can overcome ageist attitudes to design inclusive and intergenerational activities - with lasting impacts on future generations as well. 

The demographic shift, as highlighted by the UNFPAs aging report, calls for transforming how we perceive and involve older individuals in our communities. In this regard, multi-generational housing societies have a unique opportunity to be innovative and creative by creating and conducting activities for the whole community, where school-going youth interact and learn from active agers who are retired or semi-retired and eager to engage. These older adults, not necessarily a part of immediate family, offer valuable insights, wisdom, and experiences that come with age.

At GetSetUp, we are committed to empowering active agers through a diverse range of inter-generational activities that bridge the generation gap and promote meaningful interactions for a fulfilling and enriching experience. Housing societies can create a similar environment by incorporating the following activities:

• Community Events: Organize regular community events where people of all ages can participate, such as talent shows, art and craft events, sports events, and cultural festivals. 
• Workshops and Classes: Offer workshops and classes on various topics, inviting young and elders to learn and share their expertise.
• Volunteer Programs: Encourage intergenerational volunteering initiatives where elderly members can guide younger ones in community service activities like cleanliness drives.
• Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced active agers with school-going children to foster learning and personal growth via storytelling and life experiences.

Benefits, as seen, are multifold:

• Tapping into guidance and experience: Older adults who actively mentor youth enrich communities with a lifetime of skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities.
• Promoting health in later life: Spaces and roles for active aging help in creating independence, fulfillment, and connections, key drivers of health in later years.
• Fostering mutual understanding across ages: Interactions between young and old reduce ageist stereotypes, nurturing tolerance and recognizing our shared space in the society. 
• Modeling positive aging: When youth see elders contributing and embracing life, it shapes their own attitudes towards aging from an early age. 
• Harnessing the creativity of diversity: Bringing together multiple generations often sparks novel solutions and approaches as teams draw on the diverse views and strengths of different age groups.

When neighborhoods are inclusive and conduct activities for all ages, it enriches the lives of its residents and promotes active and independent living while empowering our active agers to remain vital in their community for longer. 

Article written by Ashwini Kapila, at GetSetUp. Onto his second career, after being a  banker who served in the financial services sector for over 28 years.  Are you interested in partnering with GetSetUp, to promote active aging opportunities to improve the health and wellness of older adults? Drop us an email at ashwini@getsetup.io. Our interactive learning and socializing ecosystem empower partners to engage their current members with a digital-first platform.