A room full of middle-school boys isn’t usually known for its quiet attention. However, during a visit to Magnolia Springs Loveland Senior Living, one resident quickly became the center of a crowd.
The students from Loveland Intermediate School had come to interview residents about their lives. Before long, one gentleman was surrounded by boys eager to hear about his childhood, his first job, and the experiences that had shaped his life. Even after the class project ended, several students stayed in touch.
Darci Schirmer, Magnolia Springs Loveland’s Resident Experience Director, has seen firsthand how simple moments can grow into meaningful relationships between young people and older adults. All it takes is curiosity, conversation, and time together.
“Our residents enjoy being heard,” Darci explains.
The benefits go both ways. While children gain family stories and life lessons, older adults often experience renewed energy, laughter, and opportunities to strengthen memory through conversation.
The best part? Every stage of childhood offers its own unique way to connect.
Elementary School Age (5-10): Keep It Playful
For younger children, connection often happens through play. At Magnolia Springs Loveland, simple activities like chair volleyball, bingo, and arts and crafts regularly bring smiles to residents’ faces. Seasonal traditions also create opportunities for generations to connect. The Annual Easter Egg Hunt invites children and seniors to celebrate side by side, while Fall Fest hayrides have become a favorite for both residents and their families.
Those shared activities often lead to the best conversations.
“Seniors love being asked about their families, their work, and their achievements,” Darci smiles.
Parents can help younger children feel comfortable by making visits a regular part of family life. Whether they’re sharing a favorite toy, coloring together, or showing funny cat videos on a tablet, children have a natural way of bringing joy to older adults.
“This shows them the benefits and excitement of experiences, not the downfalls of aging,” she adds.
Middle School Age (11-14): Ask Great Questions
Middle schoolers are at the perfect age to discover that every older adult has a story worth hearing.
Darci suggests question starters such as: “What kind of work did you do? Tell me about growing up. What was your first job? First car? How did you meet your spouse?”
In addition, looking through old photographs, creating a scrapbook together, or challenging a grandparent to a favorite game can naturally spark conversations that might never happen otherwise.
“Everyone has something different to offer,” she notes. “Most seniors have had experiences that are unbelievable to those living in this age.”
Teens (15-19): Build a Lasting Friendship
Teenagers have an opportunity to move beyond occasional visits and build genuine relationships.
Magnolia Springs participates in Opening Minds through Art (OMA), a program that pairs teens one-on-one with residents living with dementia to create artwork together over several weeks.
“Residents are always so happy to see ‘their person,’ and are proud of the work they achieve together,” Darci shares.
For teens hoping to strengthen a relationship with a grandparent, her advice is refreshingly simple: find something they enjoy, and do it together.
“My grandmother loved to play cards and eat fried chicken,” she recalls. “So every Tuesday night was chicken dinner and a card game.”
Teenagers also have something valuable to offer. Whether introducing new technology, sharing a favorite hobby, or simply listening, young people are often surprised by how much of a difference they can make.
“The earlier you start, the greater the benefits,” Darci says.
Whether it’s a kindergartener coloring with a grandparent, a middle schooler asking thoughtful questions, or a teenager making time for game night, every stage of childhood offers a chance to connect. Those moments preserve family stories and remind us that some of life’s greatest lessons are shared across generations.
SinceriSeniorLiving.com/magnolia-springs-loveland | 767 Loveland-Miamiville Rd, Loveland | 513.774.9000
“Children tend to bring out the kid in seniors. Older generations enjoy talking, joking, and reminiscing … simply being heard.”