By Dr. Jeremy Holloway

Throughout history, societies have thrived when generations remained connected. Wisdom was passed down, traditions were preserved, and younger generations gained a deeper understanding of where they came from and where they were going. Yet today, we are witnessing a concerning trend of history repeating itself—one where we isolate older adults in nursing homes and care facilities instead of embracing their role as storytellers, mentors, and wisdom-keepers in our communities.

This separation doesn’t just harm older adults—it affects all of us. Research shows that when intergenerational connections are severed, both younger and older generations suffer. Loneliness and social isolation are linked to cognitive decline and dementia among older adults, but there’s a deeper consequence that affects society as a whole—our collective memory begins to fade.

Could it be that by pushing older adults to the margins, our nation itself is developing a form of dementia?

The Decline of Intergenerational Wisdom

For centuries, elders have played a critical role in guiding younger generations, offering life lessons, cultural traditions, and historical knowledge. In many cultures, elders are seen as repositories of wisdom—people who help younger generations navigate challenges with a sense of perspective. But in modern Western society, we have largely abandoned this model.

Instead of valuing older adults as sources of insight and experience, we have institutionalized aging, placing many older individuals in care facilities where their opportunities to engage with younger generations are minimal. Research shows that when older adults lose social roles and purpose, their physical and mental health decline. A lack of meaningful engagement has been directly linked to cognitive decline, depression, and increased mortality.

A landmark study from the National Institute on Aging found that older adults who experience social isolation have a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. But the impact of isolation extends beyond individual health outcomes—it affects the well-being of our entire nation.

When a Nation Forgets: The Social Dementia of Generational Disconnection

Dementia isn’t just a personal condition—it can be a cultural and societal issue as well. When we separate older adults from society, we risk developing a kind of national amnesia—where history is forgotten, mistakes are repeated, and our collective sense of identity weakens.

Consider the following:

🔹 Younger generations lose perspective. Without the wisdom of those who have lived through wars, economic downturns, social movements, and technological revolutions, younger people lack the historical knowledge to make informed decisions about the future.

🔹 The workforce loses valuable mentorship. Companies that encourage intergenerational mentorship programs see higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and stronger leadership development. Older workers offer invaluable insight that helps younger professionals grow, but many industries fail to tap into this resource.

🔹 Families become disconnected. A society that doesn’t prioritize family connections across generations experiences higher levels of stress, weakened community bonds, and a sense of cultural fragmentation.

🔹 Innovation slows down. While younger generations bring fresh ideas and technological expertise, they benefit from the perspective and problem-solving skills that come from experience. Some of the world’s most successful businesses and movements have been fueled by intergenerational collaboration.

The Solution: Bringing Generations Back Together

The good news? We can reverse this trend.

📌 Intergenerational programs work. Studies from the Stanford Center on Longevity have shown that structured intergenerational programs reduce loneliness, improve cognitive function, and foster mutual understanding between age groups.

📌 Older adults who mentor young people experience health benefits. Research published in The Journal of Aging and Health found that older adults who engage in mentorship and storytelling experience lower stress levels, better memory retention, and an overall increase in life satisfaction.

📌 Younger people gain emotional intelligence. Studies show that when young people have meaningful interactions with older adults, they develop greater empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills—traits that are essential in today’s fast-paced workforce.

Let’s End Generational Isolation

We cannot allow history to keep repeating itself. We must stop viewing older adults as people to be put away and instead embrace them as active, vital members of society.

Our nation thrives when we remember our history, honor our elders, and keep generations connected. It’s time to build communities where wisdom is valued, where mentorship is the norm, and where no one—young or old—feels forgotten.

Because when we let go of our elders, we don’t just lose them. We lose ourselves.

📢 How do you keep intergenerational connections alive in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🔗 Learn more about intergenerational programs at: https://tellegacy.org