Mentoring, respect can help bridge generational divides

by Noell Wolfgram Evans

It’s a mistake that everyone has made at one point – looking at someone of a different generation and seeing difference, not opportunity. As Baby Boomers and GenXers age, however, they have an opportunity to share wisdom and learn new lessons from the generations around them. 

But admittedly, that’s not always easy.

Kathy Rush-Parsson, a licensed social worker and human services director for the city of Broadview Heights said, “The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is finding common ground and getting generations with large age gaps to understand each other and realize that both have something to offer and gain from the other.” 

Or, as Tammy Bennett, executive director at Springwood Luxury Adult Living in Hudson, put it, “We need to bridge generations.”

One way that can happen is through mentorships – both official and casual. 

“Intergenerational activities that involve and value mentorship are very important,” according to Steven Paciorek, the director of the Department of Human Services for the city of Brecksville. “It’s important to collaborate in ways that help people feel like they are on the same level.”

“Mentoring should always be a two-way street,” he added. “We can all learn from one another. For example, GenXers and Boomers could learn from younger people’s technology skills, and in return, offer insights into the workplace or life experiences.”

For a mentorship to really work, both sides must overcome preconceived notions they have, explained Rush-Parsson.

“I think older people believe younger people cannot teach them anything,” she said. “Many older people also think young people are selfish or short-sighted, and many younger people think older adults are feeble and unwilling to embrace or accept change. Changing perceptions that each generation has towards the other is a great start to overcoming the challenges of positive intergenerational communication and collaboration.”

Neelam Bhatia, a retired educator and Hudson-based SAGE (Stimulation, Adventure, Growth, Enrichment) board member, believes changing perceptions requires each generation to make a self-assessment first. She said younger generations need to “understand and acknowledge that experience and knowledge that comes with maturity and age can be valuable.” 

“Google is not the sole answer to everything in life!” Bhatia said, adding that older generations need to widen their view. “Boomers need to not get bogged down in the minutiae, be flexible and relinquish ‘the good old days’ syndrome.”

Paciorek said, “I think it’s imperative for older generations to listen to younger people without judgment. Younger generations often feel misunderstood, just like we all did when we were younger. We all want to be heard and not just talked to. This can help create better connections.”

Rush-Parsson noted that getting different generations in the same room for an event or activity can kick-off understanding.  

“For example, [Broadview Heights] had a senior health fair in the fall with the city of Brecksville and the middle school students came and served lunch and helped the seniors with any questions or issues they had with their electronic devices. Both the seniors and the students had a wonderful experience and benefited in some way,” she said. 

At opportunities like this, Paciorek advised Baby Boomers and GenXers focus on sharing experiences through storytelling, rather than offering wisdom. “I think this can help make the conversation more relatable,” he said. “Younger generations could reciprocate.”Bhatia concluded that as we are presented with opportunities to make a connection with someone of a different generation, what might be the key to success is simply “respecting and appreciating the differing viewpoints.”