By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Grandparents these days are getting more and more involved in the lives of their grandchildren.

Mutually rewarding
And now bridging that “generation gap” and engaging someone from another  era may be rewarding for both an adult’s mental well-being and a child’s intellectual development.

“Any time generations can interact with each other, whether it is something casual like talking, recreation activities, or something more formal like a living or learning situation, it only helps those involved,” says Dr. Jonah Ronch, professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Erickson School on Aging.

Experts like Ronch agree that a heavy dose of crossgeneration connection and involvement strengthens family ties, improves the mental health of the  participants, and gives those who try “intergenerational exchange” a better outlook on life.

Case in point
Francis Peeler, who lives at Charlestown, an Erickson -built and –managed community in Catonsville, Md., says she became more involved with the younger generation by planning trips for her granddaughter Julia.

After taking a day trip to Northbay, an adventure camp at the headwaters of  the Chesapeake Bay, she signed  her granddaughter up for the summer camp offered there.

Peeler says it is wonderful to be able to open a young child’s eyes to new  experiences. “I went on a daytrip to NorthBay with Charlestown before I signed up my granddaughter and was very impressed,” she says. “I was able to see everything they offered the kids and have lunch. As I was touring the place, I kept thinking of all of my grandchildren and how much they would love all of the different things to do here.”