The Power of Intergenerational Storytelling
Celebrating National Tell a Story Day
April 27 is National Tell a Story Day. This day is observed annually in the United States, and it exists to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to share stories. Whether reading, writing, or verbally sharing, stories of all kinds have the ability to connect humanity on a deeper level. Stories of fiction, as well as anecdotes from our own lives, can provide a powerful touchpoint between old friends just as well as acquaintances. Story telling matters, and it can also be a tool to build intergenerational bridges, connecting young and old by sharing the stories of our lives.
Every person’s life is complex and unique, but even in its uniqueness there are inevitable parts of simply being alive that connect us to one another. Taking the time to share our stories helps us to connect with the lived experiences of the people around us, which can have a significant impact on the way we engage with the world around us.
Through our Class Act programs, we strive to find tangible ways for our residents to connect with younger generations. We believe that intergenerational connectivity is profoundly important for everyone and is especially beneficial for senior adults. We do this in a variety of ways to ensure that our residents are experiencing intergenerational connections on a regular basis. From mentorship programs and story hours to school visits or Valentine’s card drives, we cherish every opportunity we have to work with members of our community to continue building these bridges among the people in our local community.
Story telling is just one way that we can connect with others in a more meaningful way, and whether we are the storyteller or the listener, there are a number of benefits to be gained:
Greater awareness of different life stories.
Develop deeper appreciation and empathy for the lived experiences of others.
Increased respect and attention to detail while sharing or listening in groups of different people.
Build confidence as an orator or auditory participant.
Decreased sense of loneliness, increased sense of self-worth and socialization.
Improved connection across generational lines as people of all ages anticipate and engage with the stories of others.
This National Tell a Story Day, we encourage you to be brave in sharing a story from your life, or to express an eagerness to hear an anecdote from the life of someone you know. If you’re interested in partnering with our community to support our intergenerational relationship building through our Class Act program, contact us today!