The study reveals that Generation Z are 75% more likely than Millennials to confide in their grandparents over parents. To further reinforce intergenerational relationships, Inspired Villages launches its ‘Words of Wisdom’ campaign. It launches with spoken word poetry workshop, in partnership with Lemm Sissay OBE.
Research, revealed ahead of International Friendship Day, shows the prevalence of intergenerational relationships, with Generation Z (16 – 24 years olds ) 75% more likely than Millennials (25 – 34 year olds) to confide with their grandparents over their parents.
The nationwide study, commissioned by award-winning retirement villages operator and developer, Inspired Villages, went on to show that generation Z-ers were more likely to go to grandparents when feeling sad, anxious or unhappy, rather than their siblings (23%) and even their teachers (16%).
Meanwhile, when looking into the behaviours of those over the age of 65, only one in 10 admitted to having any relationship with their grandparents when growing up. In addition, over a quarter of those the same age confessed that they never spoke to anyone if they were feeling unhappy throughout their childhood.
Words of Wisdom
In response to this, Inspired Villages launched ‘Words of Wisdom’, a campaign with a spoken word poetry workshop hosted by poet and spoken word artist Lemm Sissay OBE, known for his works as the Official 2012 London Olympic Poet; aiming to further strengthen the bond between grandparents and the younger generation.
Sissay brought together over 65s from Austin Heath, an Inspired village in Warwick, and local school children aged 8 – 10 from neighbouring Heathcote Primary School, to encourage different generations to talk about their experiences of universally challenging issues including isolation and vulnerability, as well as share memories, dreams and the secrets to happiness.
Lemn Sissay OBE, poet and spoken word artist commented:
“Poetry is such an important way of conveying and remembering thoughts, emotions, and key moments in life, which can often be insightful to others. The older generation have so much to offer when it comes to life experiences, especially for children, to provide a refreshing perspective on some of life’s most complex issues. Combined, this is a force of nature which gives us the most powerful poetry. I encourage the world to read and listen in on the inspiring poetry produced and try for themselves with their own families and friends.”
Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, commented:
“Intergenerational connectivity is vital in reducing loneliness across all ages and there is so much the older and younger generations can also learn from each other, which is why we ran the Words of Wisdom campaign. The poetry workshop with Lemn has helped demonstrate the value of intergenerational conversations, as well as build a sense of community between Austin Heath and the surrounding Warwick Gates area. The poetry created through the Words of Wisdom workshop is wonderful and it was particularly insightful to see both generations working together and inspiring each other with their own thoughts and experiences. We hope this initiative helps inspire other intergenerational activities across the country – different age groups have so much to offer each other.”
Intergenerational Sharing
As the next step in its continuing commitment to sharing wisdom between the generations, Inspired Villages has arranged for residents at Millbrook Village, its later living community in Exeter, and students from Exeter School to take part in a year-long inter-generational learning programme. The pupils, aged 7-18, will be taking part in bi-weekly term-time sessions with Millbrook residents on subjects such as history, music, art, IT and current affairs.
For more information on Inspired Villages and the Words of Wisdom campaign visit: https://www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/news/inspired-villages-runs-words-of-wisdom-campaign-with-poet-lemn-sissay-obe.
