Planning multi-generational events
By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
As we move into the fall and winter seasons, it’s prime time for all sorts of gatherings, many of which put members of different generations together.
With diverse ideas, likes, even tastes in foods, planning an event where different generations will be in attendance can present a challenge.
For insight and advice, Prime tapped two local experts, Donna Prather, director of recreation for the town of East Longmeadow, who organizes multi-generational events with the town’s Senior Center several times a year, and Delila Jones, enrichment director for Ruth’s House Assisted Living in Longmeadow.
Here’s the tips and insights they shared:
Q: We’re getting into the season when we have a lot of family gatherings and events that bring multiple generations together- grandparents, parents, teens, younger kids. What’s one of the first steps to planning a multi-generational event that goes smoothly?
Jones: “Every person is different, and brings so many complexities, when planning events for Ruth’s House, I branch out and put out suggestions to feel out what might work with one group as opposed to another. Events here can revolve around holiday celebrations such as Halloween, holiday readings, Jewish holidays, family parties and other seasonal events.
“It’s important to find something that appeals to everyone. You want to include things that engage a range of abilities, something active like a craft or game, and something passive like listening to music or a movie, so everyone can participate.”
Prather: “Find things that people can do together, engage with each other. For example, we hosted a successful activity where seniors and their grandchildren crafted gingerbread house kits together. We had the seniors build the houses ahead of time and the grandkids come in to decorate them.”
Q: What are some of the stumbling blocks to planning successful multi-generational events?
Prather: “Ensuring participation. Some events we plan with grandparents and their grandkids get a lot of interest, like a Santa’s Workshop event where there were games everyone could play. Other events don’t always get as much engagement.”
Jones: “Planning for a wide variety of needs and abilities in the group that’s gathering. You need to take into account guests who want or need to be active, and those who want or need to be passive, and have accommodations for both.”
Q: Can you provide some basic steps for planning a successful multi-generational gathering?
Jones: “You want to approach the event by planning engagement at multi-levels. Start with something that appeals to everyone, music, a movie, a favorite game, and then plan out activities that appeal to both active and passive participants. Create pods or stations for those activities. Consider things like an easy craft for an active station.
“When planning food, keep different tastes in mind. Plan a favorite or two for the elders and then some kid or teen-friendly choices.
“Don’t be afraid to try something innovative to pique everyone’s interest.
“We brought a virtual reality station into a barbecue event where there were both elders and children in attendance. It was very popular with both age groups!”
For more step-by-step help planning a multi-generational event, check out the advice from Oregon-based Elder Health at Home online at https://elderhealthathome.com/how-to-host-a-great-intergenerational-family-gathering.