SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | Active Aging Week 5
BRIDGING GENERATIONS: Building Stronger Communities Through Connection
break down age-related stereotypes to build stronger, more diverse communities. In Manitoba, AAIM is the umbrella organization for Grand Pals and has offered the program for four years. “Grand Pals is a six- or eight-week program where older adults are matched with a small group of students from grades four or five,” says Brown. “Each week has a theme such as travel, family, home, school or technology, for example, and this knowledge exchange is done through storytelling. Grand Pals is an evidence-based program developed by a teacher to improve social connections, reduce ageism myths, and improve relationships across the generations.” The idea continues to gain steam, as inter- generational programming can make additional use of existing space and enhance offerings at community spaces. Earlier this year, the pro- vincial government announced a 152-space childcare facility to be added to the 200-bed Saul and Claribel Simkin care home. Project 11, an interactive, school-based mental health curriculum created by the True North Youth Foundation, also promotes Grand Pals to their school partners and youth. “Intergenerational programming can take place just about anywhere,” Brown says. “For example, Grand Pals typically happens in a class- room or somewhere on school premises. In some communities, students are brought to the senior centre, a 55+ building or an assisted or support- ive living facility, a public library or community centre. These days many older adult groups are meeting in churches, so if a school was in the vicinity that could be a good way to utilize some underutilized space.” n
BY KRISTIN MARAND
S haring knowledge and experiences across generations was once far more common, when families and communities would gather to hear and learn from their elders. With the world feeling smaller today, families are more spread out for many reasons, and communities now exist in new contexts, such as online. Still, the need for real connection across generations has never faded. Interest in inter- generational programming has grown in recent years, as communities become more aware of the benefits of sharing time with folks from other walks of life. “I believe intergenerational programming has become more popular because many stu- dents don’t have grandparents in their lives due to geography and many other factors,” explains Linda Brown, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM). “The same goes for older adults - many can be isolated partially due to not having any family close by, geography, and lack of com- munity connections. Organizations that provide services and programming for older adults are looking for unique ways to engage their members in meaningful activities.” In Understanding the Impact of Grand Pals on Older Adults, a 2019 study from the Univer- sity of Guelph identified four main themes as older adults in this intergenerational program described the value of connections made with
students. The themes included connection, rec- iprocity, reminiscence and reflection. The study found that Grand Pals was a positive experience that appeared to benefit the participants’ mental health and well-being. Shared activities, learning and connection are some of the primary benefits when youth and older adults get together. For older adults, benefits include reduced social isolation and increased social engagement through a sense of belonging; improved cognition and quality of life; and reduced ageism. For youth, it offers an oppor - tunity to improve communication skills and better understand past generations; it boosts emotional growth by developing empathy; and it improves respect for other generations. For both groups, these interactions help promote inclusivity and For older adults, the benefits of shared activities include reduced social isolation and increased social engagement through a sense of belonging; improved cognition and quality of life; and reduced ageism.
To learn more about the intergenerational programming offered through AAIM, visit aaim.grandpals.app.
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