Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Difference Between Texting & Talking

Parents were generally more accessible to kids back in the day. Although texting may give more direct access than ever before, the communication levels are different. What parent has an in-depth conversation, imparting values to a child via texting? The communication of values and insight need real face time. Seniors who have time to listen to a young person and share face-to-face can be like gold in bringing understanding to life.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

When Texting Replaces Talking...

The barriers between generations have robbed every age group of the benefits of inter-generational interaction. Texting has replaced talking and Facebook has become the new living-room of interaction. The voices of seniors without these skills are being muted. Unless we take steps to strengthen the links between generations, the new ways people communicate will widen the gap irretrievably.

The wisdom of our elders are the wells from which we draw understanding, knowledge and warnings against repeating the evil elements of history. We must find a way to open these wells and give our young people opportunities to drink deeply from the life-giving flow. Wherever possible, we must reach out to seniors and help them become equipped with the new avenues of communication. We must help them to become comfortable in the new living rooms of communication. There’s no one better equipped to teach them than the very ones who need their wisdom - our teens. Linking teens and seniors for mutual mentoring can have tremendous benefits.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Making the Connection

It's easy to feel a disconnect between the generations because society has become segregated by age. With age-segregated schools, parental work obligations and senior housing developments, people have to make a conscious effort to get together - or it just doesn't happen.

Gone are the days when the wisdom of the elders was communicated naturally around a dinner table. Gone are the days when teens were available to keep seniors up to date with new trends and methods of communication.

Rediscovering the connection between generations can be priceless for both.