With all the to-dos (homework, work responsibilities, hanging out with friends), calling your grandparents seems to be at the bottom of the list—at least if you’re a member of Generation Z.
in a poll Shared exclusively with wealthNearly one-third of Americans (32%) say they have a very close or strong relationship with their grandparents, according to a survey conducted by home care company Carewell. However, this varies by generation, with only 18% of Gen Z saying they have a close relationship with their grandparents, compared with 32% of Millennials and 41% of Gen X.
“One of the protective factors for community health and well-being is social cohesion and connectedness,” Dr. Cío Hernández, a licensed marriage and family therapist, previously told Fortune. “Safety and connection are vital to us as a species.”
With loneliness plaguing both older and younger adults, nurturing family connections across generations can help prevent the negative effects of isolation, including depression, heart disease and dementia.
“Depending on your mobility and different health factors, aging can come with feelings of loneliness and social isolation. These moments of connection are so important,” said Bianca Padilla, CEO and co-founder of Carewell. wealth In an email interview.
Most respondents said that finding time to spend with grandparents becomes increasingly difficult as they age, so improving the grandparent-grandchild relationship for Generation Z may have the most significant benefits for both parties.
Create the power of time
A survey of more than 550 Americans found that time is the enemy. 57% of respondents said their free time affected their ability to call their grandparents, and 45% said it was related to scheduling.
However, making space to connect with grandparents can have huge benefits – mitigating the health effects of loneliness and helping to transfer knowledge, experience and perspectives across generations. Surveys show that when Gen Z is most connected to their grandparents, they learn lessons about kindness, family relationships, work ethics and resilience. Gen Xers and Millennials have similar experiences.
“The more time we spend with our grandparents, the more memories we make with them. These memories can stay with us long after our loved one dies, with the lessons we learned and the feelings we felt We are inspired by our love,” Brianna Maguire, a member of Carewell’s customer service team, wrote in a press release.
What’s more, according to research, intergenerational connections—both familial and non-familial—make us healthier, happier, and wiser.
When then-17-year-old Emmett Daniels befriended 76-year-old Antoinette Marie Williams in a program promoting intergenerational connections, wisdom sailed in both directions.
“We talk about everything. We talk about what’s going on in his life, and that’s healthy for me,” Williams previously told wealth Regarding her friendship with Daniels, whom she considered a son. Daniel also said his relationship with Williams gave him a “breath of fresh air” that put the day’s stressors, such as applying to college, into perspective.
Small steps towards connection
The survey found that the most common way people stay in touch with their grandparents is through phone calls, followed by in-person visits, text messages and then video calls. Gen Z is most likely to say technology has had a positive impact on their connection with their grandparents. Nearly half (45%) of respondents call their grandparents weekly, 30% call monthly, 7% call annually and 11% never call. If technology can help bridge gaps and create connections, then the obstacle of being too busy is the ultimate obstacle.
Fortunately, connecting with your grandparents starts small. If you commute to get off work or walk to the grocery store, consider calling your grandparents. Invite them to do what you’re already doing, Padilla suggests.
Set check-in reminders on your phone. Send a quick text message when something reminds you. Be curious: Ask them what type of music they like; what hobbies did they have when they were younger? What do they think is the most challenging thing to do at your age.
“It can be powerful and meaningful for both parties to take some time to ask questions and write them down,” Padilla says. “What is their favorite trip? Who is their best friend? Their ambitions What are your dreams and goals?”
“Go harass your grandparents and relatives. Tell them how important they are, not only to you, but so that future generations can understand their families,” Hernandez said.
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