Middletown Home, The

There are many changes in the realm of senior care.  One of the changes that has been highlighted is how intergenerational living can have a positive effect for residents, staff, families, communities for everyone involved!As reported in American Planning Associations June 7, 2023, blog [i]The Importance of Intergenerational Communities, they state that multigenerational and age-friendly communities create a vehicle to bring generations together: Reduce age segregation and ageism Decrease social isolation, depression, and loneliness Improve community infrastructure and facilities.At The Middletown Home, we are living the excitement and visioning for a future of an intergenerational community.  A campus where students, residents, families and our staff are able to live in community with one another. Currently, The Middletown Home offers students from local colleges and universities a wonderful opportunity to reside on our campus in their own apartment right next door to our residents.  Students receive a furnished independent living apartment equipped with a full bath and meal plan, and students are encouraged to share meals with residents in our dining room. A very modest monthly fee is charged to the student in exchange for the student providing a minimum of twenty (20) hours/month of structured volunteer programming with our residents.  Students are encouraged to participate in programming such as: 1:1 visits; escorting residents to social events on and off campus; sharing in music, dance, drama, and/or art; and most importantly offering companionship.  A key component of culture and community growth is the introduction of varied generations living together to the benefit of all.  In March 2022, Seniors Housing Business published an article called [ii]Intergenerational Communities: The Latest Trend for Happier, Healthier Living, reporting that Generations United stated that an astounding 92 percent of Americans believe intergenerational activities can help reduce loneliness across all ages. Loneliness and isolation are big concerns within senior living communities. When one is isolated for long periods of time, depression and mental health problems start to form. The body will eventually follow the mind when the mind starts to deteriorate, so does ones physical health. By providing an environment to older adults to engage and commune with the younger generation it gives opportunity to build lasting relationships. Not only do intergenerational communities build harmony between the age gaps, they energize older adults and give them a sense of purpose, especially when given the opportunity to share their life experiences and skills with the youth. This paper reports there is a growing interest among senior housing providers to create intergenerational programming as a vehicle for connecting residents to the broader community, enhancing well-being for both youth and older adults, reducing ageism, and preparing an aging workforce.  On the campus of The Middletown Home, we believe that this is the future in senior residential living, and the future is now. As we grow our campus at The Middletown Home, you will see further intergenerational growth such as apartments for our staff, child-care for folks who reside and/or serve on campus, as well as a growing venue of social programming, inclusive of our free summer concert series, Annual Pumpkin Fest Weekend Celebration, and so much more for folks of all ages! The intergenerational shift will open up the lives of both the seniors and the participants (children or young adults) and can positively impact everyones outlook.  As we vision for the future, The Middletown Home is intentional in more fully developing a campus of Wellness, Rehabilitation, and Lifelong Learning, especially through the relationship between The Middletown Home and local college/university students. I truly believe that We are better when were together, both residents, students, families and staff living together in one community with one another. _____________________________ Editors Note: Lou Vogel submitted this article. He is the CEO at The Middletown Home a Continuing Care Retirement Community.   [i] https://planning.org/blog/9270319/the-importance-of-intergenerational-communities/ [ii] https://seniorshousingbusiness.com/intergenerational-communities-the-latest-trend-for-happier-healthier-living/