While loneliness can strike at many points throughout our lives, there are times when it is especially acute. Big transitions like leaving university, changing jobs or moving cities can make us feel isolated and socially excluded from the people around us.
When making friends, we usually look for people of similar ages, assuming they will share our worldview and life experiences. But this is not always a reliable indicator for forming friendships.
Connections are made with like-minded people, regardless of age.
Intergenerational friendships, formed between two or more people from different age groups, are one antidote to loneliness that can also help fight ageism in society.
We learned from older and younger friends that there are plenty of reasons to make a friend from a different generation. Here are four of them.
1, Embrace differences and learn from each other.
2, Like any friendship, it’s fun.
3, Find new networks of support.
4, Do your bit to counter ageism.
I – Word Understanding
Acute – severe / terrible
Intergenerational – from different age groups
Antidote – remedy / cure
Ageism – stereotyping or discrimination based on age
II – Have Your Say
1, What qualities are you looking for in a person to become your friend?
Is age an important factor?
2, What are the fun things that you do with your friends?
3, What kind of support have you received from your friends?
4, Give instances of ageism in your country.
It can be difficult to meet people without the built-in social network of student housing or a graduate scheme. According to researchers, people between the ages of 16-24, and young people who rent are particularly at risk of experiencing loneliness, isolation and depression.
In our recent research, social scientist Riikke Korkiamäki and I explored the topic by interviewing older and younger participants who had at least one friend from a different age group.
We found that friendship between older and younger people can promote social inclusion and belonging, while also being enjoyable, interesting and beneficial for both parties. As one participant remarked, “People are people, we don’t wear our birthday cards around our necks.”
915 4 reasons why we should all make friends from different generations
