It’s only fitting that two paths should meet at Riley Crossing. Residents of Chanhassen’s preeminent retirement community go on one. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers who attend that same community’s on-site daycare go on the other.
This crossing is known as the Intergenerational Program. It’s based on a very sound notion: that seniors and babies and toddlers and preschoolers have a great deal to gain from one another, so let’s let them.
“I could show you proof of all the benefits of intergenerational connections,” said Shelley Brady, a director for Riley Crossing, which is itself managed by Ebenezer: Minnesota's largest senior housing operator. “How much they boost self-esteem, socialization, and emotional wellness for participants on either end of the age spectrum. Just how greatly they enhance quality of life for the same. But you don’t need scientific evidence to understand why seniors and children belong together. You only have to see our Intergenerational Program in action for that.”
Children race down hallways to embrace their favorite “grandfriends” at Riley Crossing. They bring their grandfriends picture books, perform acrobatic feats for them on playground equipment, and do arts and crafts projects and make music and share other activities together, too. They even exercise side by side.
“Residents and children enjoy plenty of unstructured free time together,” continued Shelley. “They share many special occasions, such as the time a little girl, who, when asked by her parents what she wanted for her birthday, chose to throw a party for her grandfriends right here at Riley Crossing. They also enjoy casual outings together, like when they fill our bus to visit the pumpkin patch or go and see Christmas light displays around town.
“Our Intergenerational Program also includes structured activities by several of our partners. We’re very fortunate to welcome MacPhail Center for Music, whose instructors have shown an impressive aptitude for conducting those who’ve never been conducted before. The Science Crew guides participants through real experiments designed to forge life-long love affairs with curiosity. Northern Clay Center makes art equally fun and engaging. And although one group of participants is unarguably stretchier than the other, both have great fun with the help of Super Stretch Kids Yoga.
“Sweetest of all is our Rock-A-Bye Baby Program, which invites seniors to do nothing more complicated than hold the little babies in our nursery. One of our residents recently explained to me that he used to volunteer to hold babies at the hospital, and that Rock-A-Bye Baby fills him with the same sense of purpose he used to feel so many years ago.
“Generations aren’t supposed to be segregated from one another. Children are meant to spend time with seniors, absorbing their wisdom and learning respect for them. Likewise, seniors are meant to be around children, who cheer them up, and excite them for what’s yet to come, and remind them of who they were during bygone eras of their lives.”
With living arrangements ranging from 55+ townhouses to enhanced care, Riley Crossing offers the perfect home for anyone to age in place in. Please visit RileyCrossing.com to learn more about their services, amenities, wellness programs, and available apartments.
U.S. News & World Report
• BEST Assisted Living ‘24 & ‘25
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Southwest News Media
• BEST Senior Living ‘24
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