IN Millcreek Spring 2020 | Page 41

INDUSTRY INSIGHT SENIOR LIVING SPONSORED CONTENT At Springhill, students of all ages are on campus for ongoing programs that include: • Penn State tailgate parties with Penn State Behrend students • Tech assistance days with Mercyhurst University students • Learning sessions with Gannon University nursing students • Special events with local elementary and high school students. Family members play a significant role in senior living communities that often stretches far beyond visiting Mom or Dad. At Springhill, some serve on the community’s Advisory Committee and volunteer at community events. “Family” is a word that can take on a new meaning at a community like Springhill. Residents and associates often comment on how quickly they develop close bonds and feel as if they’ve added a wonderful, new family to their lives. Further, it’s not uncommon to find several generations of the same family who have made Springhill their home during retirement, including parents and their adult children and siblings. Research on the impact of social connections on our physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being is clear – the more we stay engaged with people of all ages, the better off we will be. The Benefits of Intergenerational Living Retirement Communities Provide Ways to Connect with All Ages D id you ever stop to consider that living in a retirement community actually increases your ability to meet people of all generations as you age? Probably not! Many people think that moving to a retirement community such as Springhill Senior Living means that they will be living only amongst people their own age or older. Yet, factor in the community’s employees and volunteers of all ages, intergenerational events on campus, and volunteer opportunities for residents and the reality is very different. Why does this matter? As we age, our social connections often diminish. This can be for a variety of reasons that include physical changes that affect our ability to get out and about, and a shrinking social network. And that’s bad for our physical and emotional well-being. Intergenerational connections bring added—and different— benefits: new ideas and trends, different ways of seeing the world and solving problems, and lots of energy and laughter! Asbury Springhill n 2323 Edinboro Road n Erie, PA 16509 n SpringhillErie.org MILLCREEK ❘ SPRING 2020 39