Unexpected Benefits of Age-Gap Relationships

[Social Media]

 

Friendships between people of different generations are surprisingly common and come with a range of hidden benefits. While society often focuses on the intrigue surrounding age-gap romantic relationships, particularly those involving celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, or Brad Pitt, friendships across age divides are quietly fostering understanding and support in everyday life. In fact, almost four in 10 adults report having close friends from a different generation, with over half of Britons stating they have at least one friend who is ten years older or younger, according to a YouGov survey. These age-gap friendships are proving to be impactful, helping people combat loneliness, gain new perspectives, and even improve overall well-being.

 

Though some friendships across generations form in unique ways, workplaces are a common catalyst for these connections. Social psychologist Dr. Libby Drury explains that offices are often “fertile places” for people to connect with those older or younger than themselves, as people from diverse age groups are regularly brought together. According to Dr. Drury, “There’s still so much ageism that is accepted within our society but the diverse friendships in the office often have benefits beyond the workplace. It can make you more open-minded and tolerant of other people.” This openness to forming bonds across generational lines can encourage tolerance and broaden perspectives, as different viewpoints come together.

 

Katie Jenkins, for instance, was a 23-year-old trainee journalist when she met Angus, her 51-year-old editor. Jenkins recalls initially finding Angus intimidating, describing him as a "gruff, no-nonsense Kiwi and the biggest grammar pedant I’d ever met." However, as they worked together, Angus transformed from mentor to friend, challenging Jenkins' first impressions.

 

She describes him as one of the most caring, selfless people she knows, always quick to lend a hand in ways her younger friends might not think to. "All I have to do is lament something inconsequential like brittle nails, and Angus will appear with a cream that might help,” she says. "One time I was complaining about the enormous rose bush in our garden and he turned up with a pair of shears and helped me prune the damn thing. Friends my own age show love by buying cocktails; Angus shows it by trimming a garden hedge.” Jenkins’s friendship with Angus grew stronger not in spite of their age difference but because of the unique support and perspective he brings. “I’m not friends with Angus because of his age, but I’m glad I wasn’t deterred by it,” she reflects.

 

Beyond the emotional support they provide, age-gap friendships are beneficial for mental and physical health, especially for younger people. Dr. Drury highlights that younger individuals who connect with older friends are less likely to believe that competence inevitably declines with age, a belief that can be damaging if internalized. Known as "stereotype embodiment theory," this concept suggests that adopting negative stereotypes about aging can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where younger people eventually embody these stereotypes in their own later years. The presence of older friends can challenge these beliefs, offering a broader view of what aging looks like and reducing anxieties tied to it.

 

Age-gap friendships are equally advantageous for older individuals, who experience enhanced happiness and even longer lives from these connections. Studies show that older adults with friends at least ten years younger feel happier and more energetic as time goes by. This mutual exchange of companionship and perspective can foster a sense of vitality for both people, while also strengthening ties across the generations.

 

Even with the natural “generation wars” that sometimes arise—whether it's over emojis, fashion, or work habits—friendships across age lines bridge generational gaps. Differences between Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Zs in preferences and lifestyles often spark debates, but these friendships remind us of the importance of openness and connection. With a willingness to understand one another, people of all ages can find common ground and enjoy meaningful friendships that defy stereotypes.

 

Based on a report by the Independent 2024-11-13

 

 

 

[wombat]

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

[dinsdale]

21 minutes ago, wombat said:

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

Or something straight out of some garbage woman's magazine.  I thought it would actually be topical as these age gap relationships are possibly rather common amongst members on this forum but it's not. e.g.......

"One time I was complaining about the enormous rose bush in our garden and he turned up with a pair of shears and helped me prune the damn thing. Friends my own age show love by buying cocktails; Angus shows it by trimming a garden hedge.” Jenkins’s friendship with Angus grew stronger not in spite of their age difference but because of the unique support and perspective he brings. “I’m not friends with Angus because of his age, but I’m glad I wasn’t deterred by it,” she reflects.

I skim read this as it's not worth to time to fully read.

Edited Tuesday at 10:47 PM by dinsdale

[animalmagic]

24 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Or something straight out of some garbage woman's magazine.  I thought it would actually be topical as these age gap relationships are possibly rather common amongst members on this forum but it's not. e.g.......

"One time I was complaining about the enormous rose bush in our garden and he turned up with a pair of shears and helped me prune the damn thing. Friends my own age show love by buying cocktails; Angus shows it by trimming a garden hedge.” Jenkins’s friendship with Angus grew stronger not in spite of their age difference but because of the unique support and perspective he brings. “I’m not friends with Angus because of his age, but I’m glad I wasn’t deterred by it,” she reflects.

I skim read this as it's not worth to time to fully read.

So, she likes Angus because he helped trim her bush?

[KhunLA]

3 hours ago, wombat said:

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

I don't bother reading blips (from staff) any more.   To the title,...

 

When in public with wife or daughter, pisses off and get great condescending looks from fat western cows no male would ever consider having a relationship with, while their 'yes dear husbands' look on in envy.

 

.... priceless, and can only think ... "dude, grow a set, or you die unhappy" 

 

 

Edited yesterday at 01:34 AM by KhunLA

[DeathShroud]

8 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I don't bother reading blips (from staff) any more.   To the title,...

 

When in public with wife or daughter, pisses off and get great condescending looks from fat western cows no male would ever consider having a relationship with, while their 'yes dear husbands' look on in envy.

 

.... priceless, and can only think ... "dude, grow a set, or you die unhappy" 

 

 

For certain this happens. For the 9 years I've been here.  

[john donson]

short version

 

money (atm) for fake love (attention)

[LukKrueng]

4 hours ago, animalmagic said:

So, she likes Angus because he helped trim her bush?

I helped a few ladies trim their bushes, and we were all benefited from this unique act of friendship.

[tomazbodner]

5 hours ago, wombat said:

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

Ask copilot to summarize.

[BritManToo]

5 hours ago, wombat said:

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

Short version,

Him: I can still have sex when I'm over 40 years old.

Her: I don't need to contribute my wage to his mortgage.

Edited yesterday at 04:04 AM by BritManToo

[thesetat2013]

6 hours ago, wombat said:

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

Short version.... If you are banging someone a lot younger than you. You will either feel younger or have a heart attack and die. haha...

 

[billd766]

3 hours ago, john donson said:

short version

 

money (atm) for fake love (attention)

The voice of experience perhaps.

[OneMoreFarang]

7 hours ago, wombat said:

Reads like a lot of psycho babble to me.

Can you do a short version?

Ask AI to do that for you:

 

https://www.perplexity.ai/

 

Friendships between different generations are common and provide significant benefits, often overlooked compared to age-gap romantic relationships. A YouGov survey reveals that nearly 40% of adults have close friends from different generations, which helps combat loneliness and enhance well-being by offering diverse perspectives. Workplaces often facilitate these connections, as noted by social psychologist Dr. Libby Drury, who emphasizes their role in challenging ageism. Personal stories, like that of journalist Katie Jenkins and her editor Angus, highlight how such friendships can evolve into meaningful support systems. Research indicates that younger individuals gain a broader view of aging through older friends, while older adults experience increased happiness and vitality. Ultimately, these intergenerational friendships foster empathy and understanding across age divides.