Moving forward in our lives we will naturally lose connections with friends, not spend as much time with our extended family, and fall prey to the 21st-century curse of busyness. Those of us who have children will eventually become empty nesters. The constant swirl of activity that was our children’s lives evolves into their own adulthood. When this occurs, there is a void where we previously had contact with younger people. It is natural, it is inevitable and it is troublesome.
Dr. Roger Landry in his book “Live Long. Die Short” states that socialization with children, mentoring, and giving back can lead to a more fulfilling life. Relationships with children can eliminate the plagues of #loneliness, helplessness, and boredom, and potentially lead to lower mortality rates and medication reduction. Landry states that “young-older people association can be characterized as a win-win”.
David Hornak, Principal of Horizon Elementary in Holt, and I have been collaborating on a project that maximizes bringing together the young and old. Hornak named it Boomers Rock Unified and through this model we want to encourage older adults to come into Hornak’s school and become integral parts of a healthier more robust multi-generational #community.
Unifying our human capital, volunteering, and #mentoring, becoming part of a pilot project right here in Mid-Michigan is our goal. The unquestionable need for quality multi-generational exchange can benefit our older citizens, improving their quality of life, and our schools and their #students.
Our goal is to become a model for other schools in our area and nation. We need to support this action which can include
Tutoring
Supervisors
#Readers, Listeners
Exercise leaders/ walking and school bus #volunteers
Advanced learning #mentorship professionals
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