The Joys of Intergenerational Living: How Grandparents and Grandchildren Can Thrive Together

Family is a core element of Filipino culture. In many households, you'll find generations living together, each one thriving under the nurturing embrace of shared love and care. For example, imagine yourself living in a big and vibrant community in a few years in Empire East Highland City, where you and your family can enjoy life in the comforts of the self-sustaining township. A happy family is also a healthy family. Moreover, a vibrant home is one where every person blossoms in happiness and contentment, wrapped in the warmth of familial affection.

Some of the members of the family that are important in our lives are our grandparents. In the Philippines, most of them became their grandchildren's caregivers and guidance as they matured. Sometimes, they also live in the same home, weaving their presence into the very fabric of family life and infusing the household with warmth and wisdom.

Living with our grandparents offers a wealth of benefits, especially in an era where family moments are cherished more than ever. This close-knit arrangement not only strengthens bonds but also ensures that we look out for each other in times of need, creating a support system that is both loving and resilient. This Grandparents' Day, let's read about how grandparents and grandchildren can thrive together through intergenerational living:

Shared Wisdom and Learning

One of the benefits of intergenerational living is sharing skills, knowledge, cultures, competencies, and more between the old and young generations. It allows grandparents and grandchildren to gain insight into each other's viewpoints on life.

Grandparents come with a treasure trove of wisdom honed over decades of life experience. Their timeless lessons and skills remain incredibly relevant today. If you don't know what to do at a certain point, you can always ask your grandparents for advice. Whether it's teaching grandchildren the art of saving money wisely or guiding them on how to channel their talents for maximum impact, their insights offer invaluable guidance for navigating modern life.

Grandchildren can also share their wisdom with their grandparents. As the world evolves, they can bring fresh perspectives and introduce exciting new developments. For example, they might teach their grandparents about the latest gadgets, appliances, or technologies that could simplify and enrich their daily lives.

Currently, both generations can learn from each other, ensuring that together they navigate and thrive in our ever-changing world.

Financial and Practical Support

Living in the same household can be a smart financial move. With grandparents and grandchildren pitching in, they can split responsibilities and costs, making bill payments and budgeting a team effort. This collaborative approach not only eases financial stress but also strengthens family bonds.

Living together also brings practical benefits. Grandparents can share household responsibilities, easing everyone's workload. Such is very accurate in households with newborns. As parents navigate the early months or years of rearing, grandparents are reliable in relieving worn-out parents any time of the day. In turn, grandchildren can provide essential care for their grandparents, attending to their medical needs and well-being. This reciprocal care lightens the household burden and serves as a heartfelt expression of love and appreciation.

Health and Well-Being

In today’s time, health and well-being are more important than ever, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was negatively impacted by it. Grandparents, in particular, faced heightened health challenges during this time as they have greater risk of contracting the illness.

Living in an intergenerational household offers a supportive environment that can significantly benefit both physical and mental health. A recent study shows that people who live alone are more prone to develop negative cognitive function compared to those who live with someone else (e.g. living with their family). An intergenerational arrangement not only provides opportunities to improve their health, but also fosters a sense of connection that enhances overall well-being for everyone involved.

One of the most impactful benefits of living together is increased interactions. This constant engagement reassures grandparents that their presence is valued and meaningful regardless of age. Regular conversations help alleviate their loneliness and reinforce their sense of purpose.

If you want to further improve your and your family’s health, it’s vital to invest in a home where you can live comfortably. Empire East has a catalog of projects in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas that has an array of premium amenities that are beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. One of its upcoming developments is Empire East Highland City, a massive self-sustaining township located on the Pasig-Cainta border poised to become the country’s first elevated city.

Like our parents and siblings, our grandparents hold a special place in our family's hearts. Their influence extends beyond cherished memories; they shape our perspectives and guide how we engage with the world. They've taught us the value of love for those we hold dear. This Grandparents' Day, let's return the favor and show them just how deeply we appreciate and cherish their presence in our lives.

About Empire East

Empire East Land Holdings Inc. is a real estate developer that has been providing sustainable communities and pioneering lifestyle concepts to Filipino families for 30 years. With a diverse portfolio and multitude of humanitarian initiatives that strive to uplift people in need and improve quality of life, Empire East consistently contributes to shaping communities through holistic experiences.

For more information and to schedule a visit on any of our projects like Laguna BelAir and Empire East Highland City, email us at inquiry@empire-east.com or call us at 8810-3333. You can also visit our website or follow us on social media.

References:

Badana, A. N., & Andel, R. (2018). Aging in the Philippines. The Gerontologist, 113-116. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx203

Ann-Kristin Boström & Bernhard Schmidt-Hertha (2017). Intergenerational Relationships and Lifelong Learning. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 15:1, 1-3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2017.1260408 

Yu, Y., Lv, J., Liu, J. et al. Association between living arrangements and cognitive decline in older adults: A nationally representative longitudinal study in China. BMC Geriatr 22, 843 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03473-x