Study reveals wish list for older adults
Making the drive “over the river and through the woods” means a lot to Grandma; in fact, more than anything else, according to the Vi Next Chapter study of older adults.
The Vi Next Chapter study was commissioned by Vi and conducted by Penn Schoen Berland among nearly 800 U.S. adults between the ages of 65 and 80. Results based on this sample of adults have a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points, with a 95 percent confidence level.
The Vi study revealed that nearly six out of 10 older adults expressed they would like to spend more time with family and do more traveling during the next chapter of their lives. In fact, Grandparents see their relationship with their grandchildren as one of the major things of importance in their lives so it’s no surprise grandparents’ fancy spending time with them.
To better understand older adult aspirations, the study points out other activities that older adults want to do more of during their next chapter:
-Endless love. Approximately one third or 34 percent of older adults responding to the Vi study are looking forward to spending time with their spouse.
-Fiction or Non Fiction? Three out of 10 older adults or 34 percent of those polled want to take time to read during their next chapter.
-Make a difference. Two out of 10 older adult respondents look forward to doing some type of volunteer work.
-Let’s get physical! Nearly two out of 10 or 17 percent of older adults polled expressed they would like to exercise more.
-She’s crafty. Sixteen percent of older adults surveyed look forward to pursuing hobbies.
-Nice to meet you. One out of 10 respondents intends to forge new relationships.
-Bolshoi or Broadway? Nine percent of older adult respondents anticipate engaging in more cultural activities.
-Make hay while the sun shines. Heading to the office or other work site is still a priority for 6 percent of older adults polled.
To make the most of time spent with grandparents, following are simple tips shared by Vi Lifestyle Enrichment team to bear in mind when planning a multi-generational family gathering:
Timing is everything: Consider the lifestyle of all family members when determining the time to start the celebration. Think about nap times of little ones, the best time to travel for those further away and work schedules then plan accordingly. Demonstrate respect for others, especially the host, by arriving on time.
Engage the kids prior to party: Young adults know how to have fun. And since they are the main attraction for Grandma and Grandpa, keeping them happy is vital to hosting a grand gathering. To give kids a sense of control over how the day will be spent, get them involved in party duties-such as house cleaning, decorating, menu selection, collecting coats, cookie decorating and activity planning.
Planned activities: Grandparents enjoy working together with their grandchildren on a craft project or watching the young ones create on their own. Check out the local craft store or surf the web for age-appropriate activities to incorporate into the visit. Teens may want to challenge grandparents to a game of cards or learn a new game, such as chess or Bridge. Spending time looking through family photo albums is a great way for Grandparents to share special memories and spur lively conversation.
Food for all ages: Plan a menu that pleases adults and children; finger foods, such as chicken strips, mini sandwiches, vegetable platters, pasta salads, nacho chips and salsa, work well. Afterwards, indulging in dessert is an activity in itself for youngsters.
Limit distractions: They have become so commonplace it’s hard to separate but leave the kids’ video games in the car and grownups should put away their smart phones. Television also can be disruptive and impede socializing; instead opt for a little background music, which tends to unite and sets a festive tone.