Generations Connect NZ

The Dunedin Study: Lessons for a Connected Future At Generations Connect NZ, we’re passionate about the power of intergenerational relationships to create healthier, more connected communities. That’s why we’re thrilled to share about a remarkable documentary, Predict My Future: What the Dunedin Study Says About Your Future. This inspiring film celebrates 50 years of groundbreaking research from the Dunedin Study—Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest-running longitudinal study and one of the most detailed studies of human development in the world. The findings shared in the documentary are a powerful reminder of the role connection plays in shaping our health and well-being across a lifetime: *Loneliness is a serious issue for young people, with children who experience social isolation between the ages of 5 and 11 being four times more likely to develop cardiovascular issues later in life. *Almost a quarter of people who are lonely may be at risk of premature death. *Loneliness and isolation are among the strongest predictors of mental health challenges and life satisfaction. Chronic isolation can have the same negative impact on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. *Improving our social connectedness is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to enhance mental health and life outcomes. The Dunedin Study highlights the profound impact of early-life experiences and social connectedness on how we age. Poor mental health is an unseen epidemic we are only just beginning to grasp. However, one of the key takeaways we have from this documentary is that by encouraging intergenerational connections and addressing loneliness and social isolation, we can improve how we age and enhance well-being for all. If you missed the premiere, you can now catch this thought-provoking documentary on TVNZ+ on demand. Let’s spark conversations and actions to build a more connected future. #IntergenerationalConnections #PositiveAging #MentalHealth #Loneliness #DunedinStudy #GenerationsConnectNZ

🎉 Celebrating One Year of Building for the Future – Our First Newsletter is Here! 🎉 After a year of laying the groundwork, we're excited to share our first-ever newsletter. This milestone represents a significant step forward for us, and we’re proud to reveal the hard work that’s been happening behind the scenes. What we've been working on: This year has been a huge learning curve as we navigated the complexities of the non-profit sector and laid the groundwork for what’s to come in 2025. While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we know there’s still a long way to go. Key highlights include: *Strengthening local and international partnerships. *Our involvement in Global Intergenerational Week – a major milestone for us. *Preparing to launch impactful programs in 2025. What’s next: We’re excited for 2025, with plans to: *Launch an in-school pilot program bringing together older adults and students. *Lead Global Intergenerational Week 2025 in our country. *Grow our team of volunteers to expand our reach. Read the full newsletter: A Year of Connection: Highlights & Next Steps (Link in the comments) to discover more about our journey, key milestones, and exciting plans for the future! Don’t forget to sign up to stay connected and be the first to receive updates, plus our new monthly connection guide launching in 2025! Visit our website at www.genconnectnz.org and scroll to the bottom of any page to join our mailing list. #IntergenerationalConnections #GenConnectNZ #BuildingCommunity #SocialImpact

With Play Week starting tomorrow, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how play fosters intergenerational connections and strengthens our communities. At Generations Connect NZ, we recognise that play is not just for children; it is a powerful tool that unites people of all ages, breaking down barriers and enriching lives. Societal norms often dictate who can play and how it should look, limiting our understanding of its full benefits. It’s essential to challenge these ideas and embrace play in all its forms—whether it’s storytelling, games, or creative activities. By encouraging inclusive play, we can foster deeper connections between generations, promoting empathy, understanding, and shared experiences. Let’s work together to create spaces where everyone feels empowered to engage in play, regardless of age. Looking for ideas? Check out Sport New Zealand’s Play Week resources for tools and inspiration to get everyone involved in play. (Link in the comments) Together, we can redefine what play means and create new opportunities for connection and joy across generations. #PlayWeek2024 #IntergenerationalConnections #PowerOfPlay #GenerationsConnectNZ #BreakTheNorms #CommunityEngagement

🌟 Join Our Mission at Generations Connect! 🌟 We're a growing nonprofit focused on creating connections across generations, and we need passionate individuals to join us on this exciting journey! We're recruiting for: 🔹 Board Members and Advisory Group Members What We’re Looking For: We’re seeking a mix of experienced professionals and enthusiastic individuals eager to learn and grow. Some key areas where expertise is essential include: Nonprofit governance Legal or financial management For other areas, like: Fundraising Marketing and communications Community outreach Strategic planning We welcome those looking to gain experience and grow their skills, as well as seasoned professionals. If you have a strong belief in the power of intergenerational connections, we’d love to hear from you! Time Commitment: ⏰ We’re happy to work with whatever time you have available! Why Join Us? Be part of building a strong foundation for a forward-thinking nonprofit. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills and ideas, whether you're bringing years of expertise or starting your journey in the nonprofit world. 🤝 Ready to Learn More? Instead of a formal application, let’s chat! Email me at [email protected] or reach out to me on LinkedIn to discuss how you can contribute to our journey. #Nonprofit #AdvisoryGroup #CommunityEngagement #JoinUs

🌿 Ageism Awareness Day 🌿 Today marks Ageism Awareness Day, an important initiative started by EveryAGE Counts in Australia. It’s a day to reflect on the harmful effects of ageism and how it affects people of all ages. In New Zealand, ageism remains a critical issue, impacting both our older and younger generations. At Generations Connect NZ, we believe that intergenerational connections are a powerful way to break down age-related barriers and foster understanding, respect, and shared learning. Bringing together young and old in shared spaces and activities not only strengthens our communities but helps to shift perceptions about ageing. When different generations interact, they learn from one another, share valuable life experiences, and challenge stereotypes that often lead to ageism. Let’s take a stand against ageism today by encouraging more intergenerational conversations and embracing the value that all ages bring to our society. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate Aotearoa for everyone. #AgeismAwarenessDay #EveryAGECounts #GenerationsConnectNZ #genconnectnz #IntergenerationalConnections #BreakTheAgeBarrier #StrongerTogether #InclusiveCommunities

🌿 Happy New Zealand Grandparents Day! 🌿 Today, we celebrate the incredible role grandparents play in our lives—whether they’re family by blood or by heart. 💛 We know not everyone has the chance to see their grandchildren often, or perhaps doesn’t have grandchildren of their own. But the magic of being a grandparent is bigger than just family—it’s about sharing wisdom, laughter, and love across generations. This Grandparents Day let’s look for ways to create meaningful connections across generations. Whether it’s sharing stories, skills, or just spending some time together, these interactions enrich everyone involved. We want to work alongside communities and individuals to explore how we can foster more opportunities for older adults and young people to come together. By connecting across generations, we can build a stronger, more caring community where everyone feels valued. 🌻✨ Let’s celebrate the beauty of generations coming together! 🤗 #GrandparentsDayNZ #IntergenerationalConnections #genconnectnz

🌍✨ Supporting Ageing with Dignity on the UN International Day of Older Persons 2024 ✨🌍 On this International Day of Older Persons, we highlight the importance of Ageing with Dignity and the need for stronger care and support systems for older adults worldwide. Intergenerational Connections Matter! Fostering relationships between generations enhances understanding, enriches community ties, and improves the quality of life for everyone. By bringing younger and older people together, we can: Break down stereotypes and build empathy. Provide support through companionship and mentorship. Strengthen communities where everyone feels valued. Let’s advocate for systems that ensure our older adults are respected and cared for. Together, we can create a future where ageing is celebrated! #AgeingWithDignity #InternationalDayOfOlderPersons #IntergenerationalConnections #genconnectnz

This Mental Health Awareness Week let’s reflect on how intergenerational collaboration strengthens our communities. By fostering connections across age groups, we enhance mental well-being and innovation. Let’s create a supportive environment together! #MentalHealthAwareness #IntergenerationalPractice #MHAWNZ #GenconnectNZ

Earlier this year, Generations Connect NZ had the privilege of serving for the first time as the country lead for Global Intergenerational Week 2024, with the support of the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice. Though we were just getting started, and our contribution to this important week was relatively small, we were able to begin raising awareness in New Zealand about the significance of intergenerational connections. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to expand our efforts by working with more people and organisations to strengthen intergenerational initiatives across the country, while also supporting global efforts. We're eager to continue fostering these meaningful connections and making next year's event even more impactful.

As we celebrate Father's Day here in New Zealand, let's recognise that the role of a father appears in many forms across generations. Whether it's a biological father, stepfather, adoptive father, grandfather, or any paternal figure who provides love, wisdom, and support, each one has a unique impact and helps shape who we are. Today, let's acknowledge and appreciate all the ways fatherhood is expressed and the meaningful influence these figures have on our lives.