by Cynthia Germain

On October 6th, Do Good Door County, in partnership with Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP), will host a special event that brings together the worlds of art and community connection featuring the play No Wake. This unique show offers a touching narrative about an unlikely intergenerational friendship and will be followed by a thought-provoking discussion led by Paul Salm, an educator from UW-Madison’s Institute of Human Development and Relationships. Paul is an expert in aging with a commitment to building strong communities, so this opportunity will surely spark new conversations and address issues faced by both older and younger generations.

So why do intergenerational friendships matter? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for different generations to drift apart, but the benefits are profound. Older adults bring wisdom, life experiences, and often a unique perspective on the challenges we face. Younger generations, in turn, bring new ideas, energy, and a sense of optimism.

Intergenerational friendships can also combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are all too common for both the young and old. These connections offer invaluable mentorship which can go both ways. Many younger people have technological skills or fresh perspectives that can be beneficial to older adults, while the wisdom of lived experiences from older generations can help young people navigate life’s challenges.

How do we build intergenerational relationships? First and foremost, create spaces where different generations can interact naturally. Community events like No Wake are a perfect example. Arts, community projects, and volunteering offer wonderful settings for older and younger people to collaborate, sparking conversations and forming friendships. In addition, simple occasions that bring people together based on shared hobbies provide natural ground for relationship-building. Intergenerational friendships do require openness and curiosity. Each person brings something unique to the relationship, and the willingness to learn from each other is key to understanding and building a long-lasting friendship.

We hope you can join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity! Tickets for the show are $20 with the discount code DOGOOD20 when purchasing from Third Avenue PlayWorks. The event starts at 2:00 p.m. on October 6th, and we encourage everyone to stay afterward for the discussion on building bridges between generations.

In fostering these connections, we enrich our lives and create a ripple effect that will be felt across our community for years to come.