Link Generations

Connecting Youth and Older Adults

In The News

Connections | November 2017

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Link Generations Launches Connections

Our Connections Newsletter is designed to give you quarterly updates about Link Generations activities. We had a busy first year of connecting youth with older adults. Among the many milestones, Link Generations Summer Storytelling Series at Ingleside at King Farm was featured in the Washington Post. The partnership with Charles E. Smith Life Communities is going strong with monthly programs featuring music, computer training, and other fun activities to create inter-generational experiences that help people of all ages feel a sense of purpose and connection to others. Click here for more details.

Club Connections

Link Generations Starts Network of High School Clubs: Link Generations has started a network of clubs at area schools. We provide club materials and training, and facilitate connections with nearby assisted living communities. Students gain leadership skills while planning fun activities based on their own interests. Students can earn SSL hours. For more information or to get involved, contact Lori Marks at lori@linkgenerations.org.

Dance Party at Ring House

Over 40 residents and teens taught each other dance moves during last Sunday’s Link Generations dance party at Ring House. The next event at Ring House is Sunday, December 10, 1:30 pm.  Learn more.

Make Link Generations Your Gift to the Teens and Older Adults in Your Life on #GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday Logo

Donate to Link Generations as part of #GivingTuesday, the global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and countries around the world. Your contribution to Link Generations helps to educate young people about aging and connect youth and older adults in interactive activities that provide psychological, emotional, and social benefits to both populations. Link Generations is a 503(c) (3) organization.  Contributions are tax-deductible. Visit www.linkgenerations.org to donate now.

Improving Communication with Older Adults

As the holiday season approaches, you may be with people of multiple ages. The normal aging process often means that people’s sensory systems, like vision and hearing, begin to decline. Being aware of this when you are talking to older adults can enhance your conversation and prevent the frustration of miscommunication. The below pointers can apply to all situations and  age groups, but are especially important to celebrate and give thanks for each other during the holidays.

  1. Show some respect. This goes for everyone: respect people of all ages.
  2. Remember what you have in common. You may think your experiences around technology, for example, are different, but in communicating with family and friends, recognize the commonalities, the wonder of learning something new, and the excitement around holiday traditions.
  3. Recognize each other’s strengths. Older adults have a wealth of history and wisdom to share. Young people have energy and new ideas about innovation.
  4. Allow extra time for older adults. Someone who has trouble hearing may feel hesitant about engaging in conversation. Spend extra time to help make that person feel more comfortable. You may be surprised at the stories you hear!
  5. Avoid distractions. Try to give a few minutes of your undivided attention to each individual. They will feel that you have spent quality time with them. Avoid auditory and visual distractions to enhance that quality time.
  6. Sit face to face. Some older adults have vision and hearing loss, and reading your lips may be important for them to understand you. This simple act conveys that the person is important to you.
  7. Maintain eye contact. This tells the other person you are interested in them and they can trust you.
  8. Listen. Good communication depends on good listening.
  9. Speak slowly, clearly, and loudly. The normal aging process involves a slower rate of taking in information. Speaking slowly and clearly takes this into account. Speak loudly to be heard without shouting.
  10. Exercise patience and compassion. After all, compassion is what this holiday is all about!

Link Generations Summer Storytelling Series at Ingleside at King Farm is featured in the Washington Post

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See the Link Generations profile in the Washington Post. Link Generations is partnering with Ingleside at King Farm Retirement Community for a storytelling series for high school students and older adults. Read the Article!

Both age groups reported benefits from the summer experience.

Student statement:

I don’t have a favorite memory from this program. The whole program is my favorite memory.

Resident statements:

I love coming here. Talking to the teenagers makes me feel young again. The younger generation and the older generation have a lot in common. I think we are in good hands.

The series culminated with an ice cream social and reminiscence of favorite moments and lessons learned.

Link Generations Hits Home Run at Big Train Baseball Nonprofits Night

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Over 70 volunteers and supporters of all ages cheered on the Bethesda Big Train baseball team and Link Generations with an opening picnic and exciting game. Thanks to Big Train staff and volunteers for making the evening a fun success. It didn’t hurt that Washington weather cooperated with a beautiful evening to be outside.

The event was a chance for Advisory Board members Beth Newburger and Selma Sweetbaum to meet Founding Volunteer Board members Arielle Golder and Stephen Jin.

Evening highlights include:

Link Generations Advisory Board
Link Generations Advisory Board members in the picnic pavilion.
  • Kids running on the field with Big Train Baseball players for singing the national anthem.
  • Link Generations stress-baseball giveaways were used to get players’ autographs.
  • Link Generations club leaders from different schools got to meet.
  • Big Train Baseball fans learned about local nonprofits Link Generations and Comfort Cases.

Talking to Someone with Cognitive Decline

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“Post-It Note” Art
Senior Citizens Matter

Link Generations provides education to all age groups about aging. The more you know and understand about what someone else is experiencing, the more comfortable you will be interacting with him or her.

Tips on Talking to Someone with Cognitive Decline

  1. Be Present. Be in the moment. Avoid the urge to fill silences. Sit quietly using nonverbal communication like smiling or holding hands.
  2. Avoid Distractions. Try to find a place where there are limited distractions. This gives the person a chance to focus all mental energy on the conversation.
  3. Speak clearly and naturally in a warm and calm voice. Refrain from ‘babytalk’ or other condescending tones.
  4. Talk about one thing at a time.
  5. Listen actively. If you don’t understand something being said, do not argue. It is fine to let delusions and misstatements go.
  6. Have patience. Give the person extra time to process what is being said.
  7. Understand there will be good days and bad days. While the general trend of someone with cognitive decline is downward, people with dementia will have ups and downs just like everyone.

Link Generations Starts Network of High School Clubs

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Link Generations is starting a network of clubs at area schools and was featured in the Winston Churchill High School newspaper as a new opportunity for students in 2017-2018. Link Generations provides club materials and training and facilitates connections to nearby assisted living. Students gain leadership skills while planning fun activities based on their own interests. Click here for the full story.