Intergenerational Programs That Enrich Senior Living
December 10, 2025
Whether you identify as an introvert or as a social butterfly, humans by nature thrive on connection with others. Yet, our digital world continues to shift away from face-to-face interaction and side-by-side companionship. People of all ages are left feeling lonelier and more isolated than ever before. It comes as no surprise, then, that research supports the importance of connection not just with others but connection across generations.
Intergenerational activities bring together different age groups, often seniors and children, to take part in shared experiences—and social interaction is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits for all. When they develop meaningful relationships with children through intergenerational activities, seniors feel less lonely, enjoy a more active lifestyle, and feel a greater sense of purpose and belonging. Kids who spend time with seniors learn empathy, patience, and how to listen and communicate, laying the groundwork for mutual respect and understanding between old and young.
Here at The Hickman, we have long prioritized intergenerational community-building and we treasure the relationships we’ve formed with local school children, teens, and university students. “Our residents light up in the presence of the young people,” says Danielle Foley, Community Life Manager at The Hickman. “[…] they get to give as well as receive, sharing their love, life stories, and wisdom. Intergenerational programming like this truly keeps our community vibrant.” No matter the activity, the energy and engagement are palpable when the residents and young people are together.
As we embark on this multi-part series showcasing the intergenerational activities that are at the heart of community life at The Hickman, we begin by focusing on our relationship with our Quaker Hill neighbor, the West Chester Friends School. We think you’ll agree the jury appears to be out on who benefits the most from these activities that bridge generations.
West Chester Friends School: Planting Seeds of Compassion and Responsibility
Involvement in resident life at the Hickman puts into action West Chester Friends School’s focus on service learning. All their students participate in age-appropriate activities with residents, from delivering bouquets of flowers and playing games with residents to visiting for holiday celebrations. Last fall, the kindergarten and Pre-K students joined The Hickman in one of our annual fundraiser events, Rock-A-Thon. While one class performed songs and dances for the residents, the other created artwork that they then gifted to their senior friends. Some classes join the residents for a sing-along twice each month, an event Danielle describes as “just pure joy.” The third graders at WCFS have adopted residents as pen pals, and recently the physical education classes have been joining residents in chair yoga sessions and spirited games of balloon toss.
There’s a powerful phenomenon taking shape amid these intergenerational connections. “Interacting with the elders fosters empathy, natural compassion, and a responsibility amongst our students to care for elders,” explains Karen Iacobucci, WCFS Associate Head of School. “It’s a super positive and enriching experience for the children, who also get to work on their social skills with the elders. They [the elders] are a very engaged audience.” Spending time with residents at The Hickman is truly joyful for the children and builds in them a foundation of awareness and acceptance.
“The greatest benefit [to working with our young volunteers] is witnessing the beautiful reciprocity that develops between our volunteers and the residents—it truly feels like a win-win,” says Danielle. “The students bring fresh energy and perspective, and in return, they gain meaningful connections and insights.” WCFS Pre-K teacher Nancy Hiro describes what unfolds when her students spend time with the seniors at The Hickman. “We see the age difference melt away as they discover shared interests,” she says. “The children learn that they are giving a gift. They learn service, and that no matter where you are, you can always give the gift of service with small gestures.” After a visit to The Hickman, Ms. Hiro guides her students through reflection on the experience. “We talk about why we did it, what the impact was, how we felt about it. What the children get from the experience is individual, and it stays with them.”
Intergenerational activities bridge young and old, breaking down stereotypes and planting seeds of compassion and understanding of those different from us. The result is a more tightly knit community all around—one in which its members feel a sense of value and belonging. We’re so grateful for all of our young volunteers who, through their relationships with our residents, help to make The Hickman home.