As the new Executive Director at the Discovery Station here in Hagerstown, I have begun to witness countless moments of wonder, laughter, and learning.  Of these moments, my favorites are those where grandparents and their young ones are amazed and learning together.

It is no surprise children benefit from individual attention, care, and teaching.  You may not realize these types of interactions also benefit the adults, especially adults that are not primary caregivers.  Visiting the Discovery Station is not just good for kids, it’s good for adults too.

The Healthy says there are 8 Amazing Ways Being a Grandparent Does Wonders for Your Health.  One way: You stay sharp.  Teaching and learning with little ones can maintain your mental acuity.  Sharing your curiosity, wisdom, life experiences, and problem-solving skills positively impacts cognitive function and memory recall.  Playing with a coding robot, shaping a topographical sand table, or dressing up like a firefighter are some of the activities at the Discovery Station which will help you stay sharp.

Other ways intergenerational interactions benefit you: You feel better.  I am paraphrasing a few key points here- improved mental health and increased physical well-being.  By incorporating weekly intergenerational activities outside of your home, you add adult socialization and movement. While specific moments may be stressful, the overall result is less stress, more flexibility, and a positive outlook.  At the Discovery Station, you can take time to meet other adults and model good social skills.  We encourage making friends to work on craft projects, put on puppet shows, or shop in our miniature grocery store.

The Healthy identifies an additional benefit, which may be the most important: You rediscover a sense of purpose.  Intentional outings with grandchildren bring meaning to your life.  Spending time with children counters the sense of isolation and gives a sense of belonging.  There is an invigorating power in the responsibility to teach and care for young ones.  Making time to let children explore brings new meaning to your life.  Visiting the Discovery Station is not just about filling up the hours in a day or letting the kids play.  It can revitalize you as well.

Not a grandparent? Not a problem! You do not need to be a grandparent to gain the benefits of intergenerational play and learning.  The Mayo Clinic found that people, especially older adults, who regularly volunteer with children receive the same health benefits as grandparents.  So, take time to visit the Discovery Station and consider some of our amazing volunteer opportunities.  Improve your physical and mental health; find a sense of purpose; nurture relationships and encourage the children who come through our doors.  We would love for you to explore, learn, build, imagine, and discover so much more out of life at the Discovery Station.

Mary Beth Jones is the Executive Director for the Discovery Station at Hagerstown, where she strives to ignite curiosity, imagination, and learning for all visitors.  For more than 15 years working in special education and resource programs, she focused her instruction on science, math, vocational skills, wellness, community engagement, and self-management.  Mary Beth is dedicated to inclusive practices so individuals of all abilities and ages can participate in meaningful experiences together at the Discovery Station.