Time spent with grandchildren and younger family members is often filled with laughter, love, and lifelong memories. For many older adults, these relationships are among the most meaningful and rewarding parts of life. At Greystone Manor, a trusted retirement home in Maple Ridge, we understand how important it is to maintain those connections across generations. That’s why we offer an environment that makes it easy, natural, and joyful to spend time with family.
Living in a seniors community in Maple Ridge means you can enjoy these special moments without the worry of daily chores or responsibilities. With our warm, welcoming atmosphere and supportive care, you’ll have more energy to focus on what truly matters: making memories with the people you love.
The Value of Intergenerational Time
Connecting with grandchildren and younger generations isn’t just emotionally fulfilling, it’s good for your health, too. Shared experiences help improve mood, strengthen memory, and reduce feelings of isolation. For younger family members, time spent with older loved ones helps build empathy, understanding, and a sense of family history.
At Greystone Manor, we see the joy that comes from these relationships every day. Whether it’s a quiet conversation or a lively afternoon of games, these moments have a positive impact on everyone involved.
Easy Activities to Enjoy Together
You don’t have to plan an elaborate event to enjoy time with family. Many simple activities can spark meaningful connection, especially in a comfortable, community setting like ours. Some favourites among our residents include:
- Puzzles and board games that everyone can enjoy
- Drawing, painting, or crafting seasonal decorations
- Watching a family movie in the lounge
- Sharing stories over a cup of tea in a sunny common area
You bring the conversation, we’ll provide the setting.
Outdoor Fun for All Ages
When the weather cooperates, there’s nothing like spending time outdoors with grandchildren. Our Greystone Manor community offers safe and accessible outdoor spaces where family visits can turn into fun and fresh-air-filled adventures. Ideas for intergenerational fun outdoors include:
- Strolling through our walking paths and gardens
Enjoying a cone of ice cream on the patio - Playing simple games like bean bag toss or ring toss
- Exploring nearby parks or local farmers markets together
- Going on a nature scavenger hunt
These light activities offer a great way to enjoy movement, laughter, and connection in a relaxed and easygoing setting.
Technology Time Together
Technology is a wonderful way to bridge generations, and sometimes, it’s the grandkids who do the teaching. Many of our residents enjoy learning how to use new devices from younger family members, whether it’s video calling, sharing photos, or playing a game together on a tablet.
It also works the other way around. Grandchildren are often fascinated by stories of the “old tech” days, from rotary phones and cassette tapes to family photo albums. If you still have your “vintage” devices, it can be fun to pull them out and discover how things have changed together.
Celebrating Holidays and Traditions Together
Holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and honour traditions, and at Greystone Manor, family is always welcome to be part of those special moments. We regularly host holiday meals and seasonal celebrations where residents can invite guests to join them.
Whether you’re making simple crafts together, sharing stories from past celebrations, or enjoying a festive meal in our dining room, these occasions offer a beautiful way to create lasting memories across generations.
Library and Story Time Moments
Some of the most treasured intergenerational moments come from stories, whether told aloud or read together. Sharing your favourite books, reading picture books with a grandchild, or simply talking about your childhood experiences can all spark conversation, connection, and curiosity.
Creating illustrated stories together is also a wonderful way to blend creativity with family bonding. Whether it’s a short poem, a drawing, or a memory written down, these shared projects become keepsakes that families cherish for years.
When Visits Aren’t In-Person: Staying Connected
We know that not every family lives nearby or can visit often. But even when visits aren’t in-person, connection doesn’t have to stop. Many of our residents stay in touch with grandchildren through:
- Video chats, often with staff assistance
- Exchanging letters, drawings, or voice messages
- Sharing family photos and stories through email or digital albums
We’re always happy to help make these virtual visits happen, so that no matter the distance, you can still be part of each other’s lives. If you need help connecting with family, just let us know!
A Place for Family, Fun, and Connection
At Greystone Manor, we believe that growing older shouldn’t mean growing apart. Our community is designed to support both your daily needs and your most cherished relationships, so you can spend more time enjoying life with those you love.
From small everyday moments to big holiday celebrations, there’s always space here for family. Whether you’re sitting outside with a grandchild, reading together in your suite, or laughing over a game in the lounge, these are the memories that matter most.
If you’d like to learn more about life at our Greystone Manor senior community, feel free to book a tour and visit us! It’s the perfect way to see how easily meaningful moments with grandchildren can flourish in a welcoming environment like ours.