One of the downsides to living in the modern world is a fragmentation of our generations. 200 years ago, your grandparents would have sung the same songs that you sing, dated and found a mate in the same ways that you date and fall in love, and probably had the same occupation that you have. Culture and technology changes so quickly now that people have a hard time relating to their parents’ generation, much less their grandparents.

As a result, we have far less mixing of generations than we used to. 100 years ago, grandparents often lived at home or near grandchildren. Nowadays, some kids only see their grandparents a few times a year. And that’s too bad. Because humans benefit greatly from the insight and wisdom of our elders. Grandpa may not understand Twitter, but he probably has a few things he could teach his grandchildren.

I recently read about a new Alzheimer’s treatment that involves getting young people connected with older people with Alzheimer’s. The amazing thing is, BOTH GROUPS BENEFIT.

Young people, who rarely interact with other generations are given a chance to see and understand their own history. And the Alzheimer’s patients, well, they love all the interaction they can get. The results are so fantastic that programs are springing up everywhere.

I found this list of current medical school programs at The Alzheimer’s Reading Room:

The Buddy Program at Northwestern University Medical School
This program matches first year medical school students with patients diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease.

Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center
The purpose of the PAIRS program is to provide individuals with Alzheimer’s and related cognitive impairment with the opportunity for informal interaction with a medical student.

National Youth Leadership Forum at Baylor College of Medicine
"The Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center (ADMDC) serves as an educational site for high school students interested in careers in medicine, patient care, and medical research.”

At the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, teens shadow health care professionals.

READ A MORE COMPLETE LIST AT THE ALZHEIMER’S READING ROOM.

I think assisted living and Alzheimer’s treatment companies like AlzCare and others, ought to take this trend seriously. Let’s get the young ones and the old ones together and make everyone’s life better!

J. Green
Trilogy Senior Living
AlzCare Alzheimer’s Assisted Living

Alzheimer’s Treatment and Facilities in Texas. AlzCare: Assisted Living for Alzheimer’s patients in caring home environments.