Over the past few months, I have observed and experienced interactions and connections between older adults and children of various ages, from pre-school to high school students. Witnessing and feeling this joy creates an incredible bond among older adults and children of all ages, highlighting the value of life for both.
In November, a children’s reading session between older adults and children from a local school took place. Witnessing this interaction multiple times, the one-on-one connection between the young and the old is truly remarkable. The room fills with excitement, chatter, and a genuine sense of sharing and connection that feels very special.
At the end of November and December, I attended several children’s choirs and concerts that lifted the spirits of both young and older people—their angelic voices and innocent hearts filled with joy and love for those around them. It was a true pleasure to watch and listen to them sing.
At an Artisan Christmas market, I watched children decorating cookies, making gifts, creating beautiful art pieces, or purchasing something to give to their mom, dad, aunt, uncle, or grandparent. These activities encourage a sense of generosity in others. This tradition helps young children develop an important trait and fosters meaningful connections across generations.
The joy of hearing a children’s choir, attending Christmas concerts, and watching and listening to children read the Christmas story creates a warmth of love, peace, joy, and hope, as it passes along important history, faith, and traditions.
Young people must form relationships with older adults. Conversely, older adults should also spend time with young children. Both groups are at vulnerable stages in life, and both represent beautiful ages. Young children are innocent of worldly matters, while older adults appreciate the beauty of youth and its purity. Seeing and being with children—their kindness, smiles, and laughter—brings joy and deep love.
How fortunate it is for all older adults to have the opportunity to spend time with children and young people, and vice versa. Lloyd Den Boer wrote a great article, “Mind the Kids,” in the September 2025 issue of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association’s News & Views. He is quoted with the comments from grade 10 students stating, “The best thing about spending time with seniors, they insisted, was how much they learned.”