Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing older people in Europe. Research shows that regular contact with people of different ages — not just peers — significantly improves seniors’ mental and physical health. Why is intergenerational contact so important, and how can we support it?
According to Eurostat, over 30 per cent of people aged 75 and above in the European Union report feeling lonely. In care homes the problem can be even more acute — residents spend most of their time with people of similar age and health status. While peer contact is valuable, it cannot replace the diversity of relationships that accompanied them throughout their lives.
Contact with younger generations gives seniors something unique — the feeling that they can still teach, inspire and be needed. Grandparents who regularly meet grandchildren or take part in intergenerational programmes show lower levels of depression and better cognitive function. Young people, in turn, gain life wisdom, patience and a broader perspective.
More and more European countries are implementing programmes that bring generations together. In Germany, multigenerational houses (Mehrgenerationenhäuser) are popular, where seniors and young people share common spaces. In the Netherlands, students live in care homes in exchange for spending time with residents. In Poland, initiatives connect lonely seniors with families who need support.
You do not need to wait for institutional programmes. Regular visits from grandchildren, shared meals, video calls or even helping with a smartphone — all of this builds bonds and gives seniors a sense of belonging. For those living in care homes, volunteers of all ages who run workshops, read books or simply chat are incredibly valuable.
When choosing a care home through the OPK.CARE network, look for facilities that actively support intergenerational contact. Community events, partnerships with schools and volunteer programmes are signs that a facility understands that care is not just about physical health — it is also about the relationships that give life meaning.
April 1, 2026
