A grandchild sits beside a grandparent to play cards, read a book, share an exciting story about schoolyard games, or listen to a favorite song. No therapy or activity can replace that bond. The clinical term is “intergenerational relationships,” but for parents, grandparents, grandkids, and caregivers, the benefits extend beyond any term.
This article helps families in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, find activities for grandkids to do with their grandparents while explaining the hidden benefits of a close intergenerational relationship. For families and caregivers alike, these connections can be some of the most rewarding parts of everyday life. At The Courtyard at Oshkosh, the assisted living and memory care teams recognize the importance of these connections and do what they can to help families make the most of them.
Why Intergenerational Relationships Matter
Many studies have shown that interacting with younger people provides surprising cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits to seniors. A 2026 study in the APA Journal, Psychology and Aging, reviewed the specific situation of grandparents caring for grandchildren. According to their findings, grandparents who provided childcare for their grandchildren scored higher on memory and verbal fluency, even after accounting for other differences.
Generations United showed that both the grandparents and grandchildren benefit from intergenerational activities. Depending on the children’s ages, intergenerational relationships have been linked to higher levels of interactive play, better language skills, improved academic performance, greater social cohesion, lower stress, and more. When surveyed, 92% of Americans said that intergenerational activities help reduce loneliness across all age groups.
While younger generations gain social and language skills, including higher marks for patience and confidence, older generations gain light physical activity, an end to daily loneliness and isolation, and renewed joy and purpose.
How Shared Time Strengthens Family Connections
Though community programs can connect seniors with younger generations, family time has an even stronger connection. Holidays are important, but they aren’t enough to gain all the benefits of regular intergenerational activities.
When generations share everyday moments, the bond becomes more personal and natural. Shared activities that both generations enjoy can improve the impact. This could be a weekly chat over the phone or FaceTime, cooking a family recipe, playing games, reading a book, and more. Board games for older adults are often enjoyable for all ages, and buying one may help encourage them to spend time together.
The benefits extend to other family members as well. For a senior caring for their spouse, time with the grandchildren can provide a much-needed emotional and physical rest. For adult children caring for an aging parent, encouraging time between the youngest and oldest members of their family can lighten their emotional load too. Watching a parent laugh with a grandchild is a reminder that care is not only about appointments and logistics but also about finding joy in everyday moments.
Simple Intergenerational Activities to Try Together
Intergenerational activities do not need to be elaborate to be effective. Some of the most effective activities are simple, low-pressure choices that can be easily repeated on a weekly or monthly rhythm. Families looking for activities for grandparents and grandchildren to do together can use this list as a starting point:
- Board games that everyone can enjoy, such as checkers, dominoes, Scrabble, and puzzles
- Card games like Go Fish, Rummy, Texas Hold ’em, or Sheepshead
- Arts and crafts, including drawings, scrapbooks, paintings, seasonal decorations, sewing, and other simple crafts
- Reading together, whether it’s a favorite book, a newspaper, or a schoolbook
- Outdoor time on a garden walk or a trip to a local park or trail
- Spending time with a pet or therapy animal
This time does not need to be perfectly planned or complicated. What matters is that it’s relaxed and frequent. Even 20 minutes between grandparents and their grandkids can brighten their whole day.
Local Ways to Connect Across Generations in Oshkosh
Oshkosh families have several ways to build these bonds close to home. The Oshkosh Senior Center offers programs, classes, and events that welcome older adults and their families. Local libraries, parks, and seasonal festivals also provide easy, low-pressure settings for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together.
Senior living communities add another layer of opportunity. At The Courtyard at Oshkosh, assisted living and memory care residents take part in community events that families and younger visitors are encouraged to attend. Intergenerational programs, from holiday gatherings to visits with local students, provide residents with regular contact with younger generations while helping families find comfortable ways to connect.
While these connections are important for the whole family, loved ones in memory care can benefit even more. For memory care residents, daily life can sometimes seem like a mystery. Despite a routine and a caring team, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can make their world seem small. Time with grandkids offers the reassurance of a friendly face and the joy of sharing time together, joy that only family can provide.
This article should not replace medical advice. Talk with your doctor regarding any issues you may experience, especially if you suspect memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intergenerational relationships are the bonds and regular interactions between people of different age groups, most often between older adults and children or teens. They can happen within a family, through community programs, or at a senior living community.
Older adults often experience less social isolation, a greater sense of purpose, more physical activity, and improved cognitive health when they spend regular time with younger generations.
Board games, card games, crafts, cooking, reading, and outdoor walks all work well. The best choice is an activity both generations enjoy and can do comfortably together on a regular basis.
Many communities host events and intergenerational programs that welcome families and younger visitors. At The Courtyard at Oshkosh, residents and their families are invited to gatherings and activities designed to keep generations connected.
Take the Next Step in Your Family’s Relationship
Intergenerational relationships give families a way to care for one another that benefits everyone involved. While most families know that spending time with grandchildren helps seniors stay happier and active, fewer know about the well-researched mental and emotional benefits for the grandchildren as well.
As families grow closer through their shared activities and traditions, the care team at The Courtyard at Oshkosh helps encourage these connections through community events and shared activities.
Connect With The Courtyard
The team at The Courtyard at Oshkosh helps families spend meaningful time together. Contact us to learn about assisted living and memory care in Oshkosh, and how connections between generations help residents and their families.
