Summer offers a unique opportunity to bring generations together — and it doesn’t have to cost a thing. That’s the message from Melanie Bremaud, senior resource coordinator with Seine River Services for Seniors, who says simple, shared activities can go a long way in building meaningful connections between youngsters and the young at heart.
Bremaud notes that for many older adults, summer can feel a bit lonely as family members get busy with their own schedules and vacations. But reaching out — whether it’s to relatives, friends, or neighbours — can spark memorable moments.
“Sometimes all it takes is a walk on a summer evening,” she says. “August is a beautiful month, with cooler evenings and colourful blooms. You can sketch, take photos, or simply sit on a bench to watch the sunset together.”
She suggests trying activities that are both creative and nostalgic — such as swapping and recreating old family recipes, birdwatching, or visiting a local fair. Even small gestures, like inviting someone over for lemonade on the deck, can open the door to conversation.
Bremaud points to grandkidsmatter.org as a helpful resource for grandparents looking to better understand the world their grandchildren are growing up in.
“It’s a great site to learn about current trends, language, and ways to connect with kids today,” she says.
For Bremaud, her own favourite summer memory involves evenings with her grandmother: “We’d make iced tea, grab a Revello ice cream bar, and sit in the garden talking. Those simple moments meant so much.”
She says these kinds of traditions not only strengthen family bonds but also pass down skills and stories that might otherwise be lost.
And if the garden produces more than you can use? She suggests donating extras to a local food bank or sharing with a neighbour — another easy and meaningful activity to connect generations.
“Spending time together doesn’t have to be grand or expensive,” Bremaud says. “It’s about slowing down, listening, and being present — and that’s something people of all ages appreciate.”