The Joys of Intergenerational Friendships with Shannon Jarrott, Ph.D.

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Shannon Jarrott’s grandmother never lived in the family’s home but played a big role in Shannon’s and, eventually, her younger brother’s lives. Her grandmother was there when she got off the school bus. She was there for the long, carefree summer days. She is, says Shannon, why she became a gerontologist and expert on intergenerational relationships—relationships between a much older or much younger person. In this episode, Shannon discusses the many ways and places to make new friends. She talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted the need to be socially connected with each other. Research has shown that being socially isolated can affect our heart health, our brain health, and our longevity. Having friendships, says Shannon, keeps us healthy. Bringing together people from different age groups is a win-win.